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May 04, 2008
Sunday morning minicamp notes
On a glorious day for football, golf, or anything outdoors, here are some highlights from the Panthers' final minicamp practice. Players won't return to the field together until summer school (OTAs) start May 28.
(x) Seventh-round pick Geoff Schwartz, an offensive tackle from Oregon is a HUGE man. He looks much more solid than fat, however. If he has any athletic ability, any footwork at all, he should make it somewhere in the NFL. The more you see him, the more he looks like (in apperance at least) former Redskins tackle Joe Jacoby, only with longer hair. You may recall that Jacoby was an undrafted free agent who developed into a Pro Bowler.
(x) Rhys Lloyd was booming -- I mean SERIOUSLY booming -- his kickoffs. Most of them went well into the end zone. That'll be his role if he makes the team. John Kasay is still very reliable on field goals and PATs, but his kickoffs aren't consistently long enough anymore. Lloyd also was 2-for-2 on field goal attempts between about 40 and 45 yards.
(x) Some of you have asked how second-year receiver Dwayne Jarrett has looked during minicamp. He's actually been quite impressive, going high for several tough catches. There's no doubt he has talent and very good hands. Now he needs to mature and learn the system. Remember, however, that looking good in practices without pads is one thing; the stakes will ramp up considerably once training camp arrives.
(x) Wonder where backup quarterback Matt Moore would get picked if teams could re-select the 2007 draft, knowing what they know now about his performance for the Panthers at the end of last season? He was unselected, but it's not unrealistic to think he might go as high as the third or perhaps even the second round now.
(x) Be looking for an article in tomorrow's Observer, and online, on guard Toniu Fonoti. Talked to him today about his comeback attempt and he was very engaging. Among the discoveries was how to say his name -- TONE-you FONE-oh-tee. Sure hope Stan learns to pronouce that!
Going forward, we'll keep you apprised of developments as they happen, but just know the next week or two are expected to be very quiet in the news department.
-- Charles Chandler
Posted by Observer Sports on May 4, 2008 at 09:55 AM | Permalink
Comments
I LOVE Geoff Schwartz! He was one of the very few D-I players to make the Jewish All-American team, and he's a huge Civil War buff. He had been a part of a series with a CBS Sportsline humor writer who had been training for the combine drills with players preparing for the draft. Here's an interview about his draft-day saga: http://www.sportsline.com/spin/story/10803297
Umm, maybe I missed out on something, but when were Kasay's kickoffs ever long enough? Lloyd should make the roster without a question. The possibility making offenses start their drives 10-15 yards deeper is absolutely worth it.
Moore would probably still have gone undrafted. The guy had a mediocre college career, and had to transfer because he couldn't beat out Drew Olson (who couldn't even stick on our practice squad.)
As for the final note, thanks for the great coverage since the lead-up to the draft. This has become a GREAT source of inside info. Ya'll might even be on your way to catch the other papers around here...;)
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 4, 2008 10:11:52 AM
"Going forward, we'll keep you apprised of developments as they happen, but just know the next week or two are expected to be very quiet in the news department."
Well make up stuff, I cannot stand NO football news! Lie if you have to. Break into John Foxs' home and read his letters, DO something! Interview Rae Carruth in prison! Interview his prison boyfriend! Find Chuck Smith and interview him! Where is Dom Capers? Where is George Seifert and what is he doing now? You cannot just go away for a few weeks! What will panther fans do? HELLO!
Posted by: Roger | May 4, 2008 10:23:49 AM
I agree with Roger.
Posted by: Cameron | May 4, 2008 10:29:20 AM
I agree with Roger. C'MON, MAN!!! ANYTHING! Nothing is worse than checking this page and not seeing something new daily!
Posted by: Scott | May 4, 2008 10:55:01 AM
Ha ha...I think Roger and I could be brothers, because I feel the same way.
Posted by: monstercat | May 4, 2008 11:14:44 AM
Again, pretty interesting that Procton's praising the coverage here, but knocking it on the other boards.
Also, if you could have a do-over for last year's draft, there's no way Matt Moore goes undrafted after last year's performance.
Posted by: Irony | May 4, 2008 11:17:41 AM
I'm also with Roger. MORE news, anything we are addicts and need a constent supply of our prefered drug. "NFL GOSSIP"
Posted by: Chris | May 4, 2008 11:29:05 AM
If you have anymore pics from mini-camp would you please post them? I love reading about what our team is doing but i also love to see what our team is looking like this time of year. Oh and if you guys could catch up with Dwayne Jarrett and ask him if the DWI was a big wake up and what did he do this offseason to prepare to be a part of this team this season. I know we are pretty deep at WR right now but Moose is only going to be around for so long and Hackett does have alot of injury problems so I would just like to know if he is going to be anything close to what he was in college.....
Posted by: ESW | May 4, 2008 12:09:06 PM
Well im sure we all as a fan base wont have to worry about not having ANY new's.
Hell, we have the "Proctologist",who does nothing but sit at his cpu all day and re-type stuff he has read and contradict himself all day,that is until Mommy let's him out the basement,er,closet.......whichever.
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | May 4, 2008 12:35:54 PM
Yes... let's substitute good informative news with crappy unreliable shit when there's nothing better.
This isn't FOX...
Posted by: aceofsween | May 4, 2008 12:36:15 PM
the "Proctologist" never,never, EVER, post crappy unreliable isht.
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | May 4, 2008 1:06:12 PM
Yeah, right. They make up stuff and then get bashed for not reporting any real news. Or worse, they dig up some drama to have something to report on, which would give the organization yet another bad rap. NO THANKS!! How 'bout we just let these guys be so they can focus on some goood ol' fashioned investigative work.
On a related note... I would love to know how the matchup between Peppers and Gross (both on opposite sides of the line, but still facing off) is going.
Posted by: SYRPIS | May 4, 2008 1:12:58 PM
I appreciate the good coverage since changes were made in the Panthers' reporting staff. Thanks to Mike Persinger, too.
Also, I'm with the other. Don't leave us high and dry for several weeks. Tell us about what it's like to cover the Panthers. Intereview some of the former player. Feed us!
Posted by: Purr Durham | May 4, 2008 2:07:58 PM
why dont we save a roster spot for someone we may need and let Jason Baker do KO's? He's a Punter, and he did do it before and I remember it hitting inside the 20's.
Posted by: Pantherbayarea | May 4, 2008 3:24:49 PM
FYI: I believe Dom Capers spent some time the last few yrs (since HOU) as the defensive coordinator for MIA. I may have heard something about him being the secondary coach for the Pats this year...
Posted by: Ry | May 4, 2008 4:26:36 PM
Procton & Sypris, go away!
Posted by: CCU | May 4, 2008 4:49:21 PM
No way we carry 3 kickers. 53 spots is already tough enough and I don't think the Panthers are going to try to carry only 2 QBs this year.
Posted by: John | May 4, 2008 5:12:53 PM
I saw one draft analysis listing Schwartz as a long snapper. If correct, will the Panthers give him a chance to make the team by replacing Kyle.
Posted by: Steve | May 4, 2008 5:24:13 PM
Because Jason Baker is bad at kickoffs, too. Over 22 of 'em in the last three years, he has ZERO touchbacks. In 11 kickoffs, Rhys Lloyd has 2. Also, since Baker's come to Carolina, the average drive start on his kickoffs is the 30-yard line; Lloyd had the other team starting on the 25. Given our style of play when we're on (ball-control/field-position), that's a big swing, particularly if we have a chance to neutralize their return games with touchbacks being actual possibilities. Add that to the fact that Lloyd's on a multi-year deal and Kasay is aging, and I think he stands an almost assured shot at making the roster unless he falls on his face during training camp (which it didn't seem like he was doing this weekend, at least.)
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 4, 2008 5:29:18 PM
Schwartz did long-snapping in high school, but if Kyle gets beat out, it'll more likely be by Barnidge, since he's got a lock for a 53-man-roster spot anyway.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 4, 2008 5:31:58 PM
I know this is off topic but when does Mick Mixon's contract run out? How I miss the days of the classic Roszinski voice, who will always be the voice of the Panthers for me and many others.
I really can't stand Mick. Maybe it's the fact that being from here I always associate him with Carolina college football and don't feel his vocal presence is enough for the NFL. His style is choppy and high pitched for an announcer. Football play-by-play should be done by a voice that invokes the idea of gladiators going to battle, war on the gridiron. MM does not posses anything near these qualities. Not to mention his prose falls short of mediocre, much less classic, when calling the game. And he looks (& sounds) stiff as hell when on the gameday shows and in the booth.
I could go on but I think you get my point. Anyone else feel the same? If i'm wrong then fine, but I have a feeling I'm not alone, and if so then how could this be changed?
PS I'm sure he's a nice guy but it's not enough for an NFL franchise that has to battle being considered insignificant all the time because of our locale and market size. We must do it all top notch for us to be considered a top tier franchise, among the greats.
Posted by: Neil | May 4, 2008 6:51:06 PM
Id Honestly like to apply for Mick Mixion's job,I have air-checks off me calling pbp for highchool football games,just wondering how I get my foot in the door or where to send my disc....and SEE if there is any jobs open or will be possibly open in the future,regarding tech set up etc...and some spotter work.
Just have to figure out a way to get the stuff in.
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | May 4, 2008 7:22:26 PM
How did Conklin look this weekend? Did he make anyone notice? He went to my high school so I'm hoping he gets a shot.
Posted by: TP | May 4, 2008 8:13:50 PM
I don't know if he would have gone 2nd or 3rd round, but KNOWING WHAT WE KNOW NOW, as Charles's scenario goes, Matt Moore certainly would have been drafted at least. Its irrelevant that he struggled at UCLA. Some QBs who are college stars fail miserably in the NFL, while some QBs, like Moore thus far, do well in the NFL despite an unheralded college career. Moore showed a lot of talent and intangibles in his games with us, in the NFL, and that is all that matters.
Posted by: Haywood Jablowmi | May 4, 2008 9:23:44 PM
Michael Procton, 5th round pick Barnidge hardly is a "lock" for the final roster. Who told you that?
Don't ruin my name.
Posted by: Bob Procton | May 4, 2008 9:49:41 PM
Whats up with Matt Moore is he going to be the starter this year or Jake.
Posted by: Postal | May 4, 2008 9:55:02 PM
Procton, can we all come over to your mom's house and listen to you sing? You don't even have to put the lipstick on. Will she let you out of the basement long enough to see us?
Thanks.
Posted by: Randy Jackson | May 4, 2008 10:03:46 PM
I remember reading that Kalil can long snap and that the plan could be to free up the spot for Lloyd by letting him do that.
I just can't remember where I read it and if the source was reliable...
But as many have pointed put, we do need the get opponents starting deeper one way or another.
Posted by: Thorrez | May 5, 2008 2:02:56 AM
Does Danny Crossman still have a job? If so, why?
Posted by: matt | May 5, 2008 5:22:11 AM
Hey Bob...who else is going to be the 3rd tight end?
And yes, Thorrez, Kalil can long snap, but it's pretty rare that a starting center does the long-snapping.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 5, 2008 7:27:57 AM
If rhys can consistently kick the ball into the end zone we have to keep him, no question. and if we can find a long snapper who is a real football player and rhys can kick field goals that could free up 3 roster spots. those are big ifs though.
procton is saying that canon arm moore , who picked up 2 different n.f.l offenses , had a 100 rating in preaseason with dallas,beat seattle,tampa, and almost beat dallas, would still not be drafted.
you are such an imbecile procton.
Posted by: ray | May 5, 2008 7:53:08 AM
I totally agree with Neil. I miss Roszinski calling the games. Mixon's voice is like nails on a chalk board for me.
Posted by: rhackney | May 5, 2008 7:56:22 AM
no way is Lloyd going to be our FG kicker, at least not yet. Its Kasays job as long as he wants it. But it would be nice if we could cut Jason Kyle loose and free up a roster spot for Lloyd or someone else...the only problem with that is, we can't do that unless Kalil or someone else on our roster is at least as good at long snapping as Kyle is. Long snapping may seem unimportant now, but nothing's worse than bad snaps on field goals or snaps that go over the punter's head. Those can be absolute disasters that cost your team the game.
Posted by: Haywood Jablowmi | May 5, 2008 8:27:02 AM
why would you want to get rid of Jason Kyle?
Posted by: matt | May 5, 2008 8:38:54 AM
Hangartner actually took quite a few snaps as the long snapper this past weekend and did fine with it. I would have to think he's the favorite at this point.
Posted by: John | May 5, 2008 8:43:13 AM
Lloyd will more than likely be kept, but Kasay is in the same boat. He's earned the right to leave on his own terms when he's ready (but I think after this year would make sense, particularly if we make a Super Bowl run.) Maybe Lloyd would come in to kick a super-long FG to win a game or to close out a half, but other than that Kasay's the man. He's still accurate, even if he doesn't have the leg to hit at 55+ every time they need it.
The reason Kyle might be worth replacing is that his salary is kind of high for just being a long-snapper ($800K-ish, which puts him in the top five at the position in the league), and he can't do anything else. If you could double up on that roster spot with somebody who could actually contribute outside of special teams (could you EVER see Kyle in at LB with the defense), you'd help roster flexibility, not only on the 53-man, but also on the 47-man game day roster, since your LS will always be active. That said, though, Kyle has been stellar since he got here, and he shouldn't be replaced unless they really believe they've got somebody capable. Barnidge's shot at long-snapping didn't go particularly well this weekend, from what I hear. If you're right, John, I think Hang could be a very good option for that spot.
Matt Moore has precisely the same "cannon arm" he had coming out of college. Granted, that's the same "cannon arm" that didn't complete a single well-thrown deep ball all last year, but that's not important. I sense a common theme between the notes about him in the preseason and beating Tampa Bay. He was playing FOURTH-STRINGERS! In the TB game, he wasn't even playing with them. As for Seattle, the defense won the game, and he was terrible against Dallas in the only game where he actually saw a pass rush (barely 50% completions and five sacks on less than 30 passes.) Come back and talk to me when he leads more than one TD drive in a game against actual NFL starters.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 5, 2008 9:12:30 AM
Procton, you are crazy if you think Moore would go undrafted if the had a 2007 re draft after the perfomances of last year. That is almost like saying that Carr would still be drafted number 1 if they had a 2002 re draft today. Moore showed last year that he could pick up an offense, make 3rd down throws, and not make the mistake that cost the team a game. These things are what coaches want to see out a rookie QB, and if you remember right his first ever NFL completion was a great deep ball to colbert. I am not saying he is a future hall of famer but he def is a future productive starter in this league.
Posted by: Billy | May 5, 2008 9:25:52 AM
They will definately carry more than 2 QB's after the crap that happened last year. Delhomme, Moore, and Basanez WILL be on the roster.
Posted by: michael | May 5, 2008 9:53:05 AM
I agree with the comments about Mick Mixon. He is not a football guy. He'd be great doing women's soccer or something like that. There just something too timid/passive about his presentation. I miss the booming presence of Rosinski. If not Rosinski, somebody a little more like a football guy than Mixon. Any former players/coaches doing broadcasting? Might be good to look there. I'd give Brentson Buckner the job over Mixon. Not sure he'd be the best choice, but would beat Mixon.
Posted by: Ben | May 5, 2008 10:26:15 AM
Procton, other than Smitty who was double teamed alot who was there to throw the long ball to that could actually catch it.
Posted by: David | May 5, 2008 12:47:14 PM
Moore also had an excellent deep TD pass to Rosario in the Seattle game...against first stringers...and made some nice throws in the Dallas game as well. But thats not the point. No one is saying he's a future Pro Bowler, or even our QB of the future necessarily, though he could be. But he surely would have been drafted in Charles's scenario, you know it Procton. Or you should, anyway...
Posted by: Haywood Jablowmi | May 5, 2008 1:16:06 PM
Actually, Billy, Moore's first completion was a jump ball that Keary Colbert was lucky (or good) enough to come down with. And the "deep pass" to Rosario was caught about 12 yards past the line of scrimmage. Moore set Rosario up to make a good run after the catch, but it wasn't a deep pass at all (or a touchdown, for that matter.)
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 5, 2008 2:12:40 PM
seriously, you think we are going to carry 3 kickers on both the 53 man roster and the 47 man game day?
I guess if they replace Kyle with someone already taking a spot on the depth chart maybe, but its hard for me to see how else they get there. I don't see them going with only 2 QBs or TEs which would be the easiest way.
Posted by: John | May 5, 2008 2:29:15 PM
I agree with Roger and my other brothers also... I am in Virginia and am not only self proclaimed, but as voted by my peers the
#1 CAROLINA PANTHERS FAN IN VIRGINIA!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Randyl | May 5, 2008 2:51:52 PM
They'll leave a DL or an LB off the roster. With the versatility of guys like Brayton, Landon Johnson, Diggs, Shaw, and Connor to play/back up multiple positions, we'll have an easier time with the roster crunch. Perhaps more importantly, we carried three kickers in a game already last year. They figured it out then, they'll be able to figure it out now. 10-15 yards off of an opponent's drive start is absolutely worth it.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 5, 2008 2:53:37 PM
I also agree about Mixon. I can't stand to hear him. He is the most irritating announcer I've ever listened to.
I used to watch the games on TV and listen on the radio when Rosinski did the play-by-play. Not any more. No way will I listen to Mixon.
Rosinski has the best voice and personality for that position. Too bad he won't be back. Richardson will never re-hire him no matter what ever happened with Mixon.
To me, Rosinski will always be the voice of the Panthers.
Posted by: Doug | May 5, 2008 3:10:47 PM
Personally I thought the jump ball to Colbert was well thrown. Knowing how bad Colbert is, it certainly wasn't caught because Colbert was "good", maybe lucky. But you are correct about the details of the Rosario catch, Procton. Not a deep ball, not a TD. But well thrown. You still refuse to concede that Moore would have been drafted in a re-draft of '07. Seems pretty clear to everyone else.
Posted by: Haywood Jablowmi | May 5, 2008 3:46:26 PM
Again, Procton other than Smitty who could catch the deep ball. No one said Moore was A HOF player but he is a capable backup. Can we agree on this.
Posted by: David | May 5, 2008 4:29:16 PM
David, I might be ok with Moore as the starter for a game or two, but anything beyond that is dangerous. The fact is, people have been proclaiming Moore as the next Joe Montana despite the fact that he's never led the team to more than 13 points in a real game, and some are even calling for him to start over Delhomme right now (again, the 16th-rated QB in NFL HISTORY!) He won't be ready to start for at least a couple of years, and I think Basanez is a better prospect.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 5, 2008 5:16:41 PM
Procton, nobody on this site has claimed Moore is the next Montana. They have claimed he is a better fit than Carr. Also you constantly put Moore down for not throwing the deep ball but other than Smitty who was he going to throw the deep ball to.
Posted by: Sam | May 5, 2008 6:02:14 PM
Okay Procton Moore is not Joe Montana nobody claimed that he was. He was 2-1 as a starter, who cares if they scored 13 points a game. Are you telling me Trent Dilfer was a great QB when the Ravens won the SB.
Posted by: Jeff | May 5, 2008 6:06:40 PM
Sam, Vinny Testaverde didn't have a problem throwing the deep ball. That was a BEAUTIFUL fade to Smitty against Arizona.
And Jeff, 2-1 as a starter doesn't matter. He didn't win either of those games. The Panthers won't play a team that's not trying to win and doesn't even play their first-stringers (TB) or a team the defense can hold to 12 points or less (SEA) every week. Oh, and scoring certainly mattered to the Ravens, when they scored 13 points or less twice in Dilfer's 13 starts that year. Dilfer also threw 2+ TDs five times, an unsurmountable feat Moore's never been able to pull off against NFL starters.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 5, 2008 6:24:58 PM
Procton, Seattle was a playoff team get your facts straight. Vinny stunk. No one said Moore was a HOF QB. You have not answered the question other than Smith who was constantly double teamed who was Moore going to throw it to. The kid showed nice poise for a ROOK.
Posted by: Jay | May 5, 2008 6:58:24 PM
Seattle was also held to 10 points by the defense (while STILL getting more first downs than the incredible Moore and the offense managed.) How often does that happen? By my count, TWICE all last season. The defense won that game. And as the receivers, we had 6 players with receptions of 29 yards or more. The other QBs didn't seem to have a problem with it.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 5, 2008 7:16:03 PM
You also have to remember the 2 nice deep balls thrown by Moore in the Dallas game, one smitty droped/fumbled, the other Carter was mugged. I am not even saying he has a great arm, he just seemed to make the right throws at the right time last year. Also I think the team goes as far as Jakes elbow can take them, but 2-3 years Moore is our future. We have yet to see anything out of Baz so untill we do Moore is the future.
Posted by: Billy | May 5, 2008 8:03:36 PM
Amazingly you still don't admit that Moore would have been drafted. This is the reason no one respects your opinions around here, you are too stubborn to admit when you are wrong. Put aside your obvious dislike for Moore and think logically for once, Procton. He very nearly was drafted in '07 and was one of the first undrafted QBs to be signed. This was before he stepped in for us and played well for a ROOKIE, which he was. You can believe Moore didn't win us those games, but for a rookie QB who was never supposed to see the field, his efforts were above average at least. Good enough that, if there was a re-draft of '07, he would at least have been a 6th or 7th round pick.
Posted by: Haywood Jablowmi | May 5, 2008 10:19:36 PM
Procton nobody other than Smitty was a deep threat Carter or colbert could not catch a cold hence they are gone. Seattle was a playoff team Dallas did not rest their starters and Moore did a serviceable job minus the REFS. Read what people are saying Moore is not a HOF QB but he is much more capable than your man crush boy Carr. For a ROOK he did a nice job, give the kid a break
Posted by: jay | May 6, 2008 3:40:13 AM
Procton give it up. Moore was the starting QB on record vs Seattle and the team won the game. Is he supposed to erase this from his record because his stats were not super that day. Lot's of QBS do not have stellar games and their team wins but it still counts on their record. I thought you would have known this was the power off in the basement that night
Posted by: John | May 6, 2008 3:55:10 AM
Can someone tell me how to get rid of anal warts? I mean I don't have them, I'm just asking. My friend is asking. So what do I do?
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 6, 2008 4:06:51 AM
Procton, I believe the Panthers defeated the seahawks which was a team win. You would not know anything about teamwork or work ethic. which was responsible for the win Matt Moore was the starting QB which means he along with the team gets credit for the win. Your analogy does not hold water
Posted by: Fred | May 6, 2008 6:33:22 AM
I would hope that Matt Moore would have been drafted somewhere in rounds 4-7. At least before QB's Tyler Thigpen, Jeff Rowe, and possibly Jordan Palmer (who's not even with the Redskins anymore). He most deffinately would have been drafted before Mr. Irrelevant, Ramzee Robinson.
Posted by: rhackney | May 6, 2008 8:47:10 AM
Its been a couple of months since I have been posting, its funny to come back and see Proctologist posting the same negative horsesh*t he was posting during season. Just one question P, when are you moving to NewYork to be with your life partner, David Carr? He's gonna need your anal support over there in the big city.
Posted by: BJ | May 8, 2008 9:17:01 PM
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