Could The Panthers Carry Six Receivers?

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Remember a few months ago when we were joking about how deep the Carolina Panthers were at receiver? It seemed silly, didn't it? After all, this team's wideout corps has been Steve Smith and the Droptastics for the last three years. Where are all these receivers going to come from?

Apparently, from nowhere. Reports out of camp are that Jason Carter, a former Texas A&M QB-turned-receiver who was on the Panthers' practice squad last season, is making big noise in camp, catching everything thrown his way -- including passes that third-string QB Brett Basanez is intentionally throwing several feet over Carter's head. As Basanez told the Charlotte Observer: "I make him look good. We work on that all the time."

Does Carter's emergence create a dilemma for the Panthers at receiver? We can assume Smith, Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett will make the cut, but what about the guys behind them? Dwayne Jarrett is reportedly much improved this year, and Ryne Robinson is still the designated kick returner, so replacing him with Carter seems highly unlikely. John Fox isn't the kind of team to carry six receivers on the active roster. If Carter continues to impress, would Carolina cut or trade someone else to make room for him? Or does the inevitable D.J. Hackett injury leave Carter plenty of room?

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

7-29-2008 @ 3:21PM

soulcitysigma1914 said...

forgive me fellow panthers fans for saying this cuz he's a popular player, but i say they should cut Nick Goings and keep six WRs. Goings is definitely a Fox guy and you gotta like him cuz he's nice and gives his all, but he gets hurt all the time now it seems and i say Williams/Stewart/Toefield might remain healthy enough through the season; i can't imagine Goings starting if all these guys got hurt and not getting hurt himself anyway cuz he's just brittle and past his prime now. But I think he had a good run at it and exceeded expectations.

Jarrett needs to be given another year or two to get better so i would say "slow your roll" to anyone demanding they cut him for his horrible rookie performance. you can't cut Carter cuz Hackett is injury prone, so you'll end up seeing Smith/Muhammad/J.Carter in 3-receiver sets once Hackett gets hurt; right now, Jarrett is still not good enough to replace Hackett in said 3-receiver sets

And they still messed up letting Drew Carter walk

7-29-2008 @ 5:26PM

Dave said...

David: The Panthers were never going to chase after Shockey. John Fox is happy with a bunch of 5th-round picks who can block well and catch one or two passes a game. Big personalities don't suit him, either. That's why they got rid of Keyshawn after one year.

7-29-2008 @ 6:30PM

Orange Chuck said...

I will admit,I am a Panther fan so take that for what its worth. For those who think they should have pursued Shockey, I will tell you that Shockey would not have been happy in Carolina because this team plans to use their tight ends primarily as blockers and 3rd or 4th option at best for passes. They drafted offensive line and running back in the first round for one reason, to run the ball more often. They signed Hacket and Moose so that they had dependable hands for when they do decide to pass to counter for Smith and though I am sure the reports of Jason Carter's impressive training camp are good to hear, how often did we also hear that about Colbert and Drew Carter, who I think was the better of the two but inconsistant when you can get Hackett and he can stay healthy. This team can still contend for the division lead and the playoffs as they are but not sure about 6 receivers unless Jason somehow also works on special teams,maybe as line them both up deep so they have to kick to someone. All I know is there is still a lot left of training camp and preseason and I am anxious to see who Coach Fox puts on the field.

8-06-2008 @ 7:54PM

David said...

The Panthers appear to be ready to field a strong team this year with Delhomme back, plus getting Stewart and Otah in the draft, and several new veterans added. ONE HUGE MISTAKE............the Panthers will sorely regret not going after Jeremy Shockey. Mark my words all you so called experts who call Shockey a bum.........teamed with Brees in N.O., and in a dome stadium to boot ( no crazy NY winds ), Shockey will be absolutely huge this year. An All-Pro. You heard it here first. Carolina needs a better TE and Shockey would have been a great addition. The man isnt selfish, he just wants to win more than most and is adamant in displaying his emotions on the field.

8-27-2008 @ 5:55PM

Dave, You know we're going to need to revisit this post right??