T uesday we posed five questions for each Panthers’ position group, and even the coaches, as training camp quickly approaches. The idea was to use those as a starting point of what to watch for, not just in Spartanburg, but over the next six-plus weeks.
But many of you want answers now, and unfortunately, the BBR crystal ball is still in the shop.
So how’s this for a compromise?
We’ll toss out our best GUESSES if you agree to completely forget which — or how many — end up being wrong.
Deal? Good. Let’s go.
Yes, for the first week or two. Nothing major, just sitting some things out more than he usually would.
If our guess is he’s going to be limited, that will mean he’s not yet 100 percent. He wanted to be by now. But Newton’s patience barely lasted through offseason workouts. He’s going to be all over the coaches to put him on the field as much as possible. Then it’s a matter of Ron Rivera’s optimism versus cautiousness.
It’s going to be tough to get an accurate gauge on this one because Newton struggles with accuracy. Add in the ankle stuff, and if he’s misfiring, would timing be the true cause? The passing game is going to be erratic through the preseason, and timing will be just one of the reasons why.
He’s been saying all the right things off the field this offseason. That will continue. On the field, he’ll still be more happy-go-lucky than rah-rah, and that’s fine because that’s him.
No.
Yes. While many have focused on the guys no longer around, a vital offensive weapon has quietly returned.
Kinda/sorta. Remember, Stewart took over the starting job in 2012, before another injury derailed his season. This should be the year he supplants Williams for good, but that won’t happen before Week 1.
No. He showed flashes during offseason workouts, but his best bet to make a meaningful contribution in 2014 is as a kick returner.
Yes.
Yes. Richie Brockel has glue guy competition.
Yes. Until …
After two preseason games. Jerricho Cotchery, Jason Avant and Kelvin Benjamin are favorites for the top-three spots, but there’s plenty of ways this unit could shake out.
Maybe, but our guess is no.
Let’s go with Bersin. He may not be the next Victor Cruz, but there’s real reason to watch him closely the next few weeks.
Yes, but everything has to go perfectly. Turf toe shortened his minicamp. He has to stay healthy and shine in games, but he’s got a shot.
This is going to be one of the more interesting guys — and positions — to keep tabs on. Williams may be one more year away from becoming a legit part of the offense.
Yes. He may not be as effective as Jeremy Shockey was in 2011, but he’s a nice new toy for Newton.
He had just five receptions the last two years, but that’s three more than Ben Hartsock. The former Panther was one of the best blocking ends in the game, though.
If it’s not McNeill, the answer could be no.
Often. They won’t even hide it much in the preseason.
Nate Chandler, perhaps by the first preseason game.
We’ll try and throw some positive karma his way and say yes, at least through camp.
Yes.
Besides an occasional practice just to be cautious, no.
Yes. Getting through his first complete practice will be a big win, but he should be able to graduate from the bike.
As far as games missed in 2014? No.
If we’re wrong about Hardy, it’d be tough for the Panthers to keep two guys who can’t play when the season starts. Even if we’re right, Alexander is likely on the outside looking in.
Hardy and Kawann Short took a bit to get going. Early expectations for Ealy should probably be curbed.
No. A back injury ruined Gaydosh’s decent run at a spot last year, but the numbers at tackle aren’t in his favor. Same with Hall at end. He’s tall, but not big. And he’s 28.
Yes, but again, numbers.
We get asked this a lot, and truthfully, it doesn’t matter all that much. The third linebacker’s importance is lessened by how much nickel the Panthers play. But to answer this question — No, not before Week 1.
He won’t be noticeably different on the field. Off of it, he’ll keep slowly emerging from his shell.
Yes, even if Rivera thinks he shouldn’t.
The Charlotte native is just 25, but the Panthers are his third team after the Packers released him last offseason. He may never be the guy he was before a torn ACL spoiled what had become a great story in Green Bay.
Billy Boyko was released Tuesday for failing to disclose a physical condition. That leaves Smith and undrafted free agents Denicos Allen and Adarius Glanton. Forget guessing, let’s flip a coin. Allen is heads; Glanton is tails. It’s heads.
Yes. See below.
Sure, we’ve been here before, but something about the third time’s a charm. Right? Right?!?
He’ll do more than he did during offseason workouts, but they’re going to be careful with him in camp. Full-time nickel is a new gig for him, but he doesn’t have to be full-go right away.
Not really. He’s going to make a handful of plays, but he’s also going to have plenty of growing pains. Again, the Panthers play a ton of nickel. It’d be better for them if Benwikere didn’t have to dive in head first, from San Jose State to Tampa Bay.
No, and no.
Let’s pick one and say DeCoud.
Yes. He’ll never be a Pro Bowler, but he was a smart pickup last offseason.
He should be fine now.
Eh. Missing OTAs and minicamp isn’t a killer, but he has to stay healthy through camp.
Yes, and rightfully so.
Week 1? Barner.
Week 1? Oy. Pilares? In that case, can we take back the Barner pick since Pilares could do both?
Jason Williams.
Two: kickoff and kickoff return.
Yeah, so here’s a good spot to remind you that this post is not to be taken as reporting. And no screenshots of the guessing is allowed. Anyway, let’s say Williams and Pilares. And if not Pilares, Barner.
Not as much as fans who dislike Mike Shula would hope.
Wilks hasn’t gotten enough credit for his part in the defense’s overall improvement. Cason may be past his prime, but he should be better than he was in Arizona.
Yes. Rivera and defensive coordinator Sean McDermott have done a great job with the defense, but Wilks and Washington are tremendously important.
Who put this question in?! How the heck are we going to answer that right now? Pass.
Let’s set the over/under at 2.5 while he’s in Spartanburg. Under.