More from PFW: Runningbacks

This one's from the "Whispers" section, so it's pure speculation.

Pro Football Weekly: Whispers

That one I'd have to disagree with. The Panthers gave up on the run early a lot this year. Add in that at the time they stopped in that game they were two touchdowns behind.

If it turned out that the Panthers were to actually look elsewhere, I'd like to see them make a run at Michael Turner of the Chargers. He's a restricted free agent and would only cost a fifth round pick if they give him the low tender (it is quite possible they'll give him the higher offer though).

 

We had our chance at Mike Anderson. We even heard chatter about Jamal Lewis. We have two fine runners (and 34 can deliver the mail, longterm)

But not behind this bag of pig shit offensive line.

 

Wow, this is the dumbest rumor yet. I can practically guarantee that these "whispers" came from TBR or a message board like TBR where some people have ignorantly talked about the Panthers needing a "big back."


Regarding Turner, I'd imagine that San Diego will extend the highest tender if only to trade him while his value is highest.

 

DW should pay long-term dividends. Had he not been crushed by that fat ass Ted Washington, who knows how different this season might have been altered. Maybe marginally...perhaps significantly.

We did not draft a back in the first round to sit behind Michael Turner.

 

The "Whispers" section is generally rumors and speculation, usually from scouts. The better stuff goes in their "Way We Hear It" section.

I'd agree that Turner will probably get the higher tender. It's been said that the Chargers know they can't keep both him and Tomlinson, so it's logical they'd want to get the best they can for him.

Still, stranger things have happened.

If they were to pick up a back like Turner, that's likely mean the end for Foster. Williams would stay as a change of pace (and because he's got more upside at this point).

 

Honestly Shelton hasn't looked worthless in the last couple of games. I favored keeping him around under the idea that he could inexpensively back up DeAngelo after we parted ways with Foster. Thus far he's looked capable of at least that limited role.

 

If I were making a prediction for next season, it would be that our backfield looks pretty close - if not identical - to what it did this year.

You never know though. They signed Stephen Davis only one year after taking Foster in the second round and picked Williams only a year after getting Shelton. Yes, both had injuries, but I'd say it still shows they're willing to tweak even after using high picks.

 

This has no basis. The way they used Foster late last year, worked. That's why they got Wahle, and why they re-signed Foster. It's why we drafted a back that's even better at executing this than Foster - someone who reads blocks very well.

Also, while Shelton isn't that type back, he's still a read the hole, hit the hole guy. He's never been good at bulling people, and that wasn't Stephen Davis' best asset either (he was just the only one out of these backs mentioned that could regularly do it).

We suck blocking, so I can see going to this approach less, but it takes us out of a positive element, and one for both our line and backs. The quick hitting stuff worked there for a little while, during Hoover's carries and the timing around that.

Us abandoning the run came because we were still struggling to get first downs when they were stacking points. I don't know why it has to be any more complicated than that.

 

Agree completely, which is why I kept scratching my head at how they used him this year.

The thing about Shelton is that if the Panthers keep Foster, Williams and re-sign Goings, then in all likelihood he's right back in the same spot next year. That's when I start to wonder what the point is of even keeping him.

Agree with that, but with that said I wouldn't be shocked if they just decided to reconstruct the line that they had planned to build this year before the injuries. A lot of folks think the line needs tweaking, but whether the coaches think that is another story.

That's pretty much what I said in the first post. I can imagine the Panthers wanting a true power back (and feeling Shelton isn't it) but I'd need a lot more than just watching this game as evidence.

 

yeah, it doesn't make a lot of sense. Initially, the idea may be that execution being lacking, you go with the easiest to execute plays; pulling a guard and kicking contain out with a FB isn't always easy to execute.
Or in general, we can't seal the outside at all.

He's good depth, he's talented, and we can always put Goings at fullback. I'm fine with him being here, we lose nothing with him still on this squad. I don't think we'd go get "the right back" if we let him go, we'd either just have Goings there and no one 4th, or we'd have a guy who can kick return somewhat poorly.

I do think keeping Goings might mean we don't go get the right fullback, but that's possibly a different discussion.

Entirely possible and I've argued this. Wharton's a guy they think of as a tackle, so replacing him might not happen. Butler's a guy they like(d?), so there's some depth. You get another depth tackle, you have the three young guys fight for RG.


And I don't know that wouldn't be good enough, I guess. It's gotta be better than this.