On the day July comes to an end, the Panthers will open training camp with their first practice at Gibbs Stadium. So on the first day of this brand-new month, let’s talk about some of the biggest remaining mysteries surrounding Carolina.Last week, we took a look at what we learned during offseason workouts, but there’s much more we don’t know yet. Here’s a sample of storylines soon to play out through training camp and the preseason:
What role will Cameron Artis-Payne have?
Some are already penciling in the fifth-round pick directly behind Jonathan Stewart, but that’s not much more than an assumption right now. Artis-Payne may be able to handle a larger load than Fozzy Whittaker and Jordan Todman, but the two veterans remained ahead of the rookie throughout the spring.
How much of an immediate impact can Devin Funchess make?
We could have been spoiled last year. Most rookie wideouts aren’t supposed to walk on the field and dominate the spring and summer like Kelvin Benjamin did. That’s not to say Funchess won’t be productive; it’s just that Benjamin — and his incredible receiver class — set a new standard.
Who will make up the back end of the receiver rotation?
Roster spots are likely reserved for Benjamin, Funchess, Corey Brown, Ted Ginn and Jerricho Cotchery. That leaves one or MAYBE two openings for guys like Stephen Hill, Brenton Bersin and Jarrett Boykin.
Which Michael Oher did the Panthers get?
Oher and his new teammates said all the right things this spring, but noncontact offseason workouts are a long way from actual game action. If Oher can again be the guy he was at the start of his career, the Panthers’ offensive line should be much improved. But if he is who he was the last couple seasons, the protection in front of QB Cam Newton could be a house of cards.
Does Nate Chandler have a future in Carolina?
Last summer, Chandler was competing with Byron Bell at left tackle, but that says more about the Panthers’ lack of great solutions back then than it does about Chandler’s potential. After an injury-hampered first season at right tackle, he was largely forgotten while he sat out drills this spring. The odds aren’t great he’ll emerge as a huge help, but a healthy Chandler could boost the line’s depth.
Will someone not named Charles Johnson emerge at DE?
It’s almost like this bunch has been playing musical chairs and no one’s sitting down even though the music stopped early last fall. The Panthers want to pick someone to get starter reps, but Frank Alexander, Kony Ealy, Wes Horton and Mario Addison remain a nondescript group. Alexander could eventually stand out, if he can stay on the field. And coaches have seen some growth from Ealy, but bouts of immaturity remain a concern.
What does Shaq Thompson look like in the defense?
We don’t have a good answer for this right now mostly because of the practices the first-round pick missed. But since the Panthers put linebackers on the field furthest from the media, it was tough to get a true sense of Thompson’s skills even when he wasn’t at Washington. He saw a very limited amount of reps with the starters in minicamp, something that should change quickly in Spartanburg. The Panthers say they can do different things with him in the lineup, so what those things are remain to be seen.
Can Chris Houston contribute?
The veteran cornerback signed in time for minicamp, but those three practices can only reveal so much. Like Oher, the real tests for his surgically repaired toe are still to come. Unlike Oher, Houston isn’t the key for an entire unit, but if he can still play, the seven-year starter could be a nice Dave Gettleman value.
Which undrafted free agents are worth keeping around?
Some of Gettleman’s diamonds in the rough played big parts in the Panthers’ past two playoff runs, but it’s not ideal to annually depend on undrafted guys. Among the current crop, the backfield may be too crowded for RB Brandon Wegher, WR Damiere Byrd is likely practice squad bound and CB Garry Peters couldn’t get on the field in June. There may not be an Andrew Norwell or Corey Brown in this bunch, but it’s not like we knew what that pair was going to become a year ago.
How improved are the Panthers?
It’s hard to argue this roster isn’t better than what it was heading into 2014’s training camp. The important question is how much better? A healthier Newton seemingly has better weapons and protection, the top-10 defense remains largely intact and special teams underwent a much-needed makeover. But what happens if Stewart goes down or if Oher doesn’t work out? Or if the passing game can’t get vertical? Or if the front four can’t dial up proper pressure? Or if CB Charles Tillman and SS Roman Harper have no tread left? There are plenty of unknowns ahead, but that’s part of what makes sports agonizingly fun.
What do you think about Lee Ward’s chances? You didn’t mention him in the UDFAs, but he seems like a good pass and run blocker, especially if we have any concerns about holding onto Tolbert.
That’s the guy. I say if CAP looks good in camp, Fozzie is productive to start the season, and Stewart can a out injury in first 8 weeks, Tolbert could be out of a job by the end of the season. He showed a notable decline last season. Calling him a fullback seems a nice way of saying what he really is…a fat running back.
I wouldn’t say he showed a notable decline. I mean, the guy broke his leg and we lost a lot of games without him in the line-up because we had to substitute his blocking with either Olsen rubbing a blocker before hitting his route or using an extra tight end and Ed Dickson isn’t built to stop the pass rush. Speaking of TE’s, I really wish they’d give Brandon Williams a shot. Let him play, the kid can block really well and he can catch (as shown in the pre-season. If not release the guy and make room for someone that you’re going to eventually utilize (and that’s where Lee Ward comes in).
I worry about FBs staying healthy. Brockel went down last season. Ward would be a great guy to elevate into that role.
I hate blocking only FB’s!!!!!!!
A blocking only FB is just one less offensive weapon for a defense to worry about. At least use the FB as a short dump off pass option once in a while. They mostly can’t run, or catch, and unless they are touching the ball at least 3-4 times a game the defense can just ignore them, because with their lack of top speed, even if they break completely open, it’s still only going for around 20 yards.
What do you think about Lee Ward’s chances? You didn’t mention him in the UDFAs, but he seems like a good pass and run blocker, especially if we have any concerns about holding onto Tolbert.
That’s the guy. I say if CAP looks good in camp, Fozzie is productive to start the season, and Stewart can a out injury in first 8 weeks, Tolbert could be out of a job by the end of the season. He showed a notable decline last season. Calling him a fullback seems a nice way of saying what he really is…a fat running back.
I wouldn’t say he showed a notable decline. I mean, the guy broke his leg and we lost a lot of games without him in the line-up because we had to substitute his blocking with either Olsen rubbing a blocker before hitting his route or using an extra tight end and Ed Dickson isn’t built to stop the pass rush. Speaking of TE’s, I really wish they’d give Brandon Williams a shot. Let him play, the kid can block really well and he can catch (as shown in the pre-season. If not release the guy and make room for someone that you’re going to eventually utilize (and that’s where Lee Ward comes in).
I worry about FBs staying healthy. Brockel went down last season. Ward would be a great guy to elevate into that role.
I hate blocking only FB’s!!!!!!!
A blocking only FB is just one less offensive weapon for a defense to worry about. At least use the FB as a short dump off pass option once in a while. They mostly can’t run, or catch, and unless they are touching the ball at least 3-4 times a game the defense can just ignore them, because with their lack of top speed, even if they break completely open, it’s still only going for around 20 yards.
I wouldn’t count out Richie Brockel if he heals completely. He’s still in his prime at 28, blocks as good as you’re gonna find, catches well out of the backfield, can play TE and Rivera loves his versatility. Brockel is one tough Cat that knows our system and performs it well.
Normally I’d say Tolbert would be a lock but he performed poorly last year even before his injury. Rivera tends to go with experience over young talent so I can’t see Ward beating out Tolbert or Brockel.
Cameron is our best prospect to back Stewart up. The rest of the HBs aren’t built to run between the tackles every down but Fozzy has shown great performance when given the opportunity.
I’m betting on Stew _ Cameron _ Fozzy _ & ( Tolbert or Brockel ). Todman may make it for special teams but I can’t see him beating out the Fozz.