Who in the heck said Foster would be the starter on opening day?????

Oh yea, I did

Well, he hasn't yet, but it's just a matter of time.

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/sports/football/nfl/carolina_panthers/3768558.htm

 

it's been the first time that a player has had both speed and vision in one package. Lane has OK vision, so did AJ. Biakabutuka and others had speed to a degree, but none of them other than AJ could ever really hit the hole. Foster hits the hole hard and fast - Lamar hits the hole hard and is on what most would call his last legs. It's not at all a surprise that a guy with Biakabutuka's speed but with good technique and vision would be a pleasant surprise, and to tell the truth Foster was just as talented as Green.

It's all but certain that Foster is not only the starter by mid-season, but that he's got the hands and speed to be that complete Edgerrin James-type back...enough that it would cost too much to get a change of pace or backup type player to eclipse his skills as a pass receiver and route runner. Not as talented as Edge, but on that same EJ - Curtis Martin type

With all that in mind, the 3rd string battle will either be really important or completely irrelevant - it's doubtful that player will play much this year. It's in my mind that if Lamar's not a starter that he won't be here as a backup next year.

That leads me to believe we'll probably end up needing to acquire a quality backup with good running skills and not much more.
And I do believe it's in the best interest of Foster, the team, and the franchise if Foster starts and Smith is used liberally, at first.

 

Y2, you can join at least half the rest of the world in thumping your chest if Foster is the starter opening day

i would think that the 3rd string battle would be important for the reason you stated Mag. if Smith isn't here next year, then it would be important to have a quality backup to Foster and it would be sweet if that player would emerge from the guys we have now so we don't have to acquire a quality backup next year.

any chance at all that we would/could trade Smith for some CB help? if Goings/Brown/Montgomery is/are quality backups, do we really need Smith if Foster is the real deal and is going to get most of the touches? would we be able to get a quality CB for Smith? i assume no one would trade us their No 1 or 2 CBs, but if they're in dire need of a good RB and as good as he apparently is looking in camp, any chance of a trade along these lines?

 

Actually I was referring to back when we signed Smith and I said we still needed a starter, then on draft day said now we have one. But that's cool.

I still haven't read an article saying he would with any confidence. I've seen a few that says he might, but the last one is as close to as I've seen.

Also, I don't remeber anyone here agreeing with me about "opening day starter". I hear a lot of "mid-season".

I guess since I'm not actually in NC, I don't see "atleast half the rest of the world" everyday.

But it's all good.....







btw, do I have a "kick me" sign or does the board seem a little edgy?

 

Please finish this sentence:

"The smart Fantasy Football player would not draft Foster higher than round number ... "

 

There seems to be an large amount of optimism from these players. No negativity at all. I think I like this Fox guy. With a stud runner with versitility and an improved front seven on defense this team just might surprise bigtime. Most of the teams they play don't beat teams throwing the ball either. This team could make a big step forward this season. I am cautious but very optimisic, especially if Weinke blossoms!!

 

6 or 7– That’s the area where a few different rook RB’s might be a smarter gamble than some questionable starters or potential breakout backups. There are still two other rook RB’s that I would take ahead of Foster, more due to the team around them and established offenses than Fosters talent level.



*Disclaimer - Keep in mind I'm new to FF and I probably don't have a clue. The experienced smart FF guys here are not about to help their competition so I figured you might at least appreciate a reply, all be it from a fellow novice.)

 

There's a difference between "starter" and "feature back".

And I'm not talking draft strategy until after we draft

 

I'm bad at round numbers. To tell the truth I might put him higher because I'd enjoy having him on my team, but I wouldn't make him my highest back and I'd make sure I had two receivers and probably a TE first. He's a good receiving back, and those go high. But I don't see a lot of balls going to him until he's an established runner...

 

The direction this team is going leads me to believe he'll be the starter opening day.

1 - He's lighting the place up. He looks good already - that doesn't get people excited about Smith.

2 - The fans want it. They want to see our youth movement, they want to see Foster. Everyone I've talked with wants Foster to start.

3 - Because of the youth movement, if the RB's are even, Foster starts. He might even start if he's just beneath even.

I think JR knows this. I think the players want to see it.

If he doesn't drop the rock in the preseason, He starts against Baltimore. And as far as fantasy goes, the draft ain't until we see if he can hold the rock, b/c that's the ONLY worry with Foster.