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May 02, 2008
Muhammad in fine form
Watching the Panthers’ mini-camp practices today, it was almost as if the past three years hadn’t happened. There was Muhsin Muhammad, wearing No.. 87 and running routes and looking pretty much like his old self. We can’t talk about the plays Carolina runs in these practices, but suffice to say that Moose came to camp in excellent shape and appeared to be in good form running his routes.
"I stay in good shape, man," he said, pausing after the morning session. "That’s part of the reason I play the way I have and for as long as I have. I love this game. I work it hard; I try to work it as hard as I can work it. If I ever get to the point where I feel like I don’t want to do this anymore, I’ll feel like I’ve given it my all.
"That’s just the way I am, the way I’m made up. And I’ve been blessed enough to play this long. Come this fall, days like this will pay off."
More coming in a story on Muhammad in Saturday’s Observer, but we couldn’t get everything in that one.
STAN OLSON
Posted by Observer Sports on May 2, 2008 at 05:25 PM | Permalink
Comments
They should just go ahead and cut Jarrett and get it over with. That guy will not see the field this season at all. Ryne Robinson is a better receiver than Jarrett. Smith, Moose, & Hackett will be 1 - 3. Jarrett is only good at getting tanked, certainly can't play special teams, get rid of him and move on.
Posted by: Will | May 2, 2008 6:06:19 PM
Why would you cut Jarrett after one season? Let's come back to reality here. The kid was just a rookie last year and has made a mistake in the off season but to write him off short of at least 3 years is the ultimate mistake. Having Moose and Smith be examples for him can do wonders for the kid but it's ultimately up to him.
Posted by: JT | May 2, 2008 6:13:26 PM
See what a little weed and concealed weapon will do for ya'
Posted by: Carl Leazer | May 2, 2008 6:14:56 PM
See what a little weed and concealed weapon will do for ya'
Posted by: Carl Leazer | May 2, 2008 6:15:05 PM
Carl, how exactly to "a little weed and concealed weapon" help with Moose's conditioning
Posted by: matt | May 2, 2008 6:46:04 PM
Ive said it once and Ill say it again.........
I dont believe that D.J. Hackett will get the number 2 WR spot,I believe Muhammed will reclaim his throne and that Hackett (if he can hack it) will be the number 3,much like Proehl used to be.
I dont care what promises were made to Hackett I just dont see him having the longevity or getting the job done @ #2,number #3 yes and he will thrive there,all-the-while managing not to get injured as he has in the past.
Just my insane thoughts.........
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | May 2, 2008 7:13:31 PM
it is what it is
Posted by: Ross Ellis | May 2, 2008 7:32:16 PM
I don't see how Fox can promise anyone (especially when they have so many question marks coming in) any position when his theme when evaluating talent to determine the depth chart is, was and always will be "the players will determine that."
Posted by: SYRPIS | May 2, 2008 8:21:38 PM
.... I'm sure the same goes for Moose too.
Posted by: SYRPIS | May 2, 2008 8:23:27 PM
Agree, Syrpis, thats why I think Hackett is headed for that #3 spot regardless.I know all the UN-REALISTIC people are hating on Jarrett,but the kid will be a standout and all this none-sense will be a thing of the past.
Dont forget that Jarrett did come out early and could have used some more time in school.
However Moose will set him staright and help him out more than Smitty can even dream about.Smitty is not a teacher he is a challenger.
The only thing that makes me mad about the progression of the Panthers WR'S is that bum coach Richard Williamson.He hasnt developed one single WR since he has been here,with the possibilty of Muhammed.
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | May 2, 2008 8:42:48 PM
and Williamson has been here since the Panthers inception.
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | May 2, 2008 8:44:28 PM
Hey Ghostie, who developed Smith? I guess he just did it all himself.
So much whining I thought I was on an Eagles board.
Posted by: Paul B | May 2, 2008 10:11:26 PM
I can understand that every young player (rookie) needs a mentor when they get into the league. You can't put a price on a great mentor. But making excuses and saying Jarrett could have used more time in school is an after thought. If that was the case, why did we draft him?? Why did we cut Keyshawn??
The players on our team, they are not babysitters. They are not here to make sure someone is learning the playbook. This is a man's league and no one is going to hold Jarrett's hand to the film room, or to the weight room, or to the practice field. It seems as if he has been spoon fed his entire career. He better get his ass in gear and and start making opportunities happen because if he doesn't, not only will he not be on our roster, but he will be out of the league.
Posted by: rhackney | May 2, 2008 10:18:20 PM
http://goallineblitz.com/game/signup.pl?ref=8322805
Football MMORPG
Posted by: azubu | May 2, 2008 10:23:34 PM
Wide Reciever is one of the toughest postitions to learn coming out of college. In college he can round off his routes and still make the catch. His athletic ability allows his to get seperation from the CB who has less talent. The amount of plays he must learn is limited. And he can relax on plays away from him.
In the pros if he rounds off his route, it gets picked off or goes over his head. He no longer gets seperation, because the CB's cover a lot better. The play-book is 50 pages not 10. If he takes a play off, he can loose his playing time or worse.
All that being said, I agree he needs to stay around at least as long as fellow 2nd rounder Colbert. Only IF he learns how to be a professional. WR is a crap shoot, but he must earn his shot. And to my knowledge, he has not done anything to prove he is willing to WORK for his oppotunity.
As alway GO CATS!
Posted by: iamhubby | May 2, 2008 11:07:45 PM
Paul B it was Ricky Proehl and Mushin Muhammed that developed Steve Smith. He will eve tell you the same.
It sure the Hell wasnt Richard Williamson.
Smith has always said that Proehl and Moose taught him what he knows and how to play this game at the nfl level.
Do your history and get back to me........
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | May 2, 2008 11:12:27 PM
Hackney, Jarret could have used another year of college game play even though it was in the weak ass pac 10 confrence.... and if he would have had it he would have been a top 15 pick this year because the wr's class in this past draft sucked bad.
However,we dont know what Jarret has besides awsome skills and adjusting on the fly (that was his thing was to adjust to the qb,not run perfect routes,the panthers knew this when he was drafted), and you nor I know if he has been in the weight room, head in the play book or if its just a blocking thing like Deangelo.
Either way its wayyyyyyyyyyyyy to early to throw him under the bus, and if you think it is because of a rookie season coming out as a junior from a sorry ass confrence and one dui, then you have to think or at least assume (like it seems your doing) that 1/2 of the Nfl is garbage.
Half these kids in the Nfl are doing way worse,the only problem is they havent been busted yet.
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | May 2, 2008 11:22:59 PM
Ghost,
In college, Jarrett was known for being able to shield the defender from the ball and catch. He used his body (just like Keyshawn said, "he plays just like me") to his advantage. Another thing that Keyshawn mentioned on draft day is that "in order to be successful, he is going to have to become violent off the line". When he did play towards the end of the season, I did not see any hunger or relentlessness or "violence" when he was on the field. It was a guy that was along for the ride. Last year we desperately needed him to step up at WR as a play maker (or anyone for that matter). Each week I would look forward to hearing or reading about how Jarrett was progressing. That almost never happened.
Maybe my expectations for him last season were over blown. Maybe learning the playbook and catching 25-30 balls in his first season was too much. Hell Colbert caught, what 50 or 60 balls his rook year.
I don't know if he has been studying the playbook or not but when Smitty (who tells it like it is) calls him out about it, that has to open some eyes.
I am not throwing him under the bus yet, but as far as being focused and being a professional and being someone that wants to succeed at what they do, it just doesn't seem like he is taking the necessary steps to make that happen. Stay out of trouble and keep his nose to the grindstone.
"Half these kids are doing way worse". Those kids aren't and won't be on the Panthers under John Fox.
I guess as a start, all I want to see from him as a Panther fan is some attitude, some over confidence, and some fight in him. I want to see him push for that spot opposite Smith. The opportunity is there for him to take it.
Sorry, was at a rehearsal dinner where there were free beverages and am still up, so I apologizes in advance for the long rant......
Posted by: rhackney | May 3, 2008 1:08:19 AM
Ah, spring time. Four straight months without any Panthers on the field has been like hiking across a long hot desert without any water.
Now we are standing at an oasis of cool refreshing water from heaven, eager to quench our thirst, and you guys want to stand around and bitch and nit pick at each other about whether to use a glass or a cup for drinking.
Posted by: Trainwasher | May 3, 2008 4:34:11 AM
Ah, spring time. Four straight months without any Panthers on the field has been like hiking across a long hot desert without any water.
Now we are standing at an oasis of cool refreshing water from heaven, eager to quench our thirst, and you guys want to stand around and bitch and nit pick at each other about whether to use a glass or a cup for drinking.
Posted by: Trainwasher | May 3, 2008 4:36:08 AM
David Scott reports... "Rookie tight end Gary Barnidge was a backup long snapper at Louisville. He snapped a few during a punting drill, one of which went far over punter Jason Baker's head. It didn't take long for Jason Kyle, the starting long snapper, to step in for Barnidge."
How can someone who has been doing a function throughout his college career do so miserably at it all of a sudden??? Any chance some players play special teams poorly in these camps intentionally to avoid having to play a position there on a regular basis?
Posted by: SYRPIS | May 3, 2008 6:59:39 AM
oops... think I got my own answer... I overlooked the "backup" part. Hehe...
Posted by: SYRPIS | May 3, 2008 7:07:35 AM
I was just hoping all too hard to finally get Kyle Johnsons replaced. I would much rather kill two birds with one stone by having a player who can play the position and still add quality depth at another position too.
Posted by: SYRPIS | May 3, 2008 7:09:13 AM
Here's Scott (couldn't be more) Fowler trying to make a melodramatic mountain again... "The biggest "if," though, is Delhomme.
If he stays healthy all season, I believe he will guide this team to its first playoff appearance since 2005.
But if he doesn't, life will change dramatically for the worse at Bank of America Stadium for a whole lot of people."
Is this hack ever going to $#&*@! off and give the Panthers a chance!?!?!!!
Posted by: SYRPIS | May 3, 2008 7:19:38 AM
um... sypris who is kyle johnsons? i dont think we have a player by that name
Posted by: eric brown | May 3, 2008 7:23:19 AM
I mean... "life will change DRAMATICALLY for the WORSE"!?!! Wow!!!!! Get a clue mr. top notch reporter, will ya!!! Furthermore, if there is any validity to that statement, it was created by his hand (and that other putz, Pat Yastinskas up)! They started the undertones to this bad publicity quagmire pretty much in last year's offseason. Why is Hack Fowler still reporting on the cats??? Does the Observer brass really think this is boding well for the real fans or the organization itself?!? What happens if Charlotte finally loses this team thanks to the observor's miscounduct (calling for fan boycotts) and irresponsible (unfounded negative pulications for ratings sake that result in a groupthink anarchy mob-mentality) reporting?? This crap has got to stop!!!
Posted by: SYRPIS | May 3, 2008 7:31:22 AM
and ERIC BROWN... you are so smart! Thanks for pointing that out to everybody. Thank goodness you never had a typ-o in your life and now have been granted the ability to make others feel like idiots for doing so themselves. You must feel very proud of your acheivements. :)
Posted by: SYRPIS | May 3, 2008 7:34:04 AM
I guess I am in the minority but I think DJ Hackett is going to have a great year. As long as all the coaches stop living in the past.
Posted by: Kelso | May 3, 2008 8:21:37 AM
Steve Smith only had 4 more catches then Jarrett during his rookie season.
Posted by: Billy | May 3, 2008 9:12:27 AM
Billy, you are right.
Smith also....."spent a majority of his rookie season as a kick and punt returner, leading all rookies in net yardage with a 1,994 yards, and landing in fourth place among all NFL players behind Priest Holmes, Marshall Faulk, and Derrick Mason. Smith’s performance was rewarded with an invite to the Pro Bowl. Smith joined Todd Sauerbrun as the only players to represent the Panthers in the 2002 Pro Bowl."
.....as a rookie
Posted by: rhackney | May 3, 2008 9:38:02 AM
He was also on the depth chart behind Moose, Wesley Walls, Donald Hayes and Patrick Jeffers; not Colbert, Carter, and Robinson (rookie).
Posted by: rhackney | May 3, 2008 9:56:20 AM
*didn't mean to put Walls in there, but he was the teams #2 option.
Posted by: rhackney | May 3, 2008 9:57:14 AM
Right Hackney, huge upside for Jarrett but hasnt lived up to 1/4 of his potential,but i completey agree.Im just not ready to throw him under the bus yet,and knowing Hackett's injury history,he could be in the slot alot this coming season.
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | May 3, 2008 2:56:43 PM
I deliberately hid when the coaches were looking for punt and kickoff teams in high school. i was a starter and i felt that was below me.plus ive seen too many guys get blown up on s.t.
Posted by: ray | May 5, 2008 8:20:39 AM
You're totally right, Ray...it takes a little bit of crazy to be a great ST player. "Hey, guy, get about 25 yards to get up to full speed, then try and collide with another group of 250 lb.+ guys also running full speed in the opposite direction. Stay under control well enough not to miss. Have fun!"
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 5, 2008 9:14:59 AM
I think with moose tudoring him and fine toning his skills jarret will be a great receiver
Posted by: Reggie | May 6, 2008 5:03:28 PM
I think with moose tudoring him and fine toning his skills jarret will be a great receiver
Posted by: Reggie | May 6, 2008 5:05:07 PM
I think hackett will b a number 2 wideout..we will use muse sparringly..2 save him 4 da playoffs...he will start mid season...jarrett will b find he was only a 20 yr old kid last yr give him time 2 grow
Posted by: bennyfrankz | May 8, 2008 9:39:02 PM
benny farnkz that was the STUPIDEST thing i ever saw
y dont they just bench steve smith too to save him for the super bowl
same with all their starters
HOW CAN THEY MAKE THE PLAYOFFS WITH SOME OF THEIR BEST PLAYERS BENCHED??????????????
Posted by: bennyh8er | May 12, 2008 10:56:26 AM
benny is right. u should bench your starters and save them for the playoffs. u should bench peppers too
Posted by: bennyhaterh8er | May 12, 2008 10:59:30 AM
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