Six-Pack, ft. the Burfict Effect and a Couple New Receivers

Panthers Moving on From Vontaze Burfict

Many fans are still furious about the aggressive and sometimes over-the-line play of Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict this past Sunday, but the Panthers are trying to move on.

“On Monday I addressed how I felt about the whole thing. That was my reaction to what had gone on and what was pretty evident,” Panthers tight end Greg Olsen said. “Let the chips fall where they may and let people who are much higher up the ladder than me make the decisions. I’ve been on to Green Bay now for two days.”

On Wednesday, the NFL fined Burfict $25,000 for twisting the ankles of Olsen and quarterback Cam Newton after they each scored touchdowns. But the league chose not to suspend Burfict, even though he’s been fined at least three previous times for other infractions.

Not surprisingly, Newton deflected questions about Burfict.

“Right now I’m looking forward to Green Bay, and trying to become 4-2-1,” Newton said.

Head coach Ron Rivera also took the high road.

“That’s not for me to determine,” Rivera answered when asked if he was ok with the fine. “The league makes the decision on those types of things, and they had plenty of things to look at to make the decision.”

Newton and Olsen are each expected to play this week, but another Panther may not because of a shot he took from Burfict.

Receiver Kelvin Benjamin suffered a concussion after making a reception early in the second quarter. Burfict was flagged for hitting a defenseless receiver, but replays show the hit wasn’t as ‘dirty’ as his ankle twisting.

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RLeeEarl

The Steelers cut rookie (5th round pick, #157) CB Shaquille Richardson (6’0 1/8″, 194, 32″ arms, 10 1/8″ hands, and age 22) yesterday, and I believe the Panthers should either put in a waiver claim for him, or sign him if he clears waivers (to the Practice Squad if nothing else).

Richardson had a very good Pro Day, running a 4.43-40 on a soggy water soaked track, a 1.56-10, a 6.85-3 cone, and a 4.17-20 yard shuttle, with a 38 1/2″ vertical, a 10’7″ broad jump, and 14 bench reps.

Richardson might not contribute much this season, until late in the season, but he could be a key contributor next year.

I still believe the Panthers should sign ex-Titans 4th year CB/S Tommie Campbell (6’2 7/8″, 202, age 26), who has 4.31-40 speed. The Titans tried to give him a starting CB job the last 2 years, but big money FA signing (by the Bucs) Alterraun Verner was able to hold onto the starting CB job, along with McCourty.

As I’ve pointed out several times, the Panthers secondary has a major lack of speed, and both of these players would greatly improve their speed. Here are the Combine (unless noted as Pro Day times, which are faster around 90-95% of the time) 40 times and 10 yard split times for the Panthers current DB’s.

4.45-40 and 1.55-10 – CB Antoine Cason (2008)
4.59-40 and 1.70-10 – CB Melvin White (2013 Pro Day)
4.63-40 and 1.63-10 – CB Bene Benwikere (2014)
4.66-40 and 1.52-10 – CB Josh Norman (2012)
4.52-40 and NA – CB James Dockery (2011 Pro Day)
4.43-40 and 1.47-10 – CB/S Charles Godfrey (2008), but after 7 years and his ruptured achilles last year, he’s much slower now.
4.59-40 and 1.60-10 – S Tre Boston (2014)
4.58-40 and NA – SS Roman Harper (2006), but after 9 years in the NFL he’s slowed considerably.
4.66-40 and 1.61-10 – SS Robert Lester (2013)
4.50-40 and 1,50-10 – FS Thomas DeCoud (2008)
4.34-40 and 1.44-10 – FS/Special Teams Colin Jones (2011)
RLeeEarl

Lester simply lacks NFL SS quality speed, with a 4.66-40 and a 1.61-10. However, that’s pretty good speed for an NFL LB, and he’s now listed at 225 pounds, so maybe he makes the switch. He could play the combo OLB/SS role.
Elder2

RLeeEarl Hmmm.? there are many situations that require him to be one or the other. His angels of attack make him suspect in the box and his lack of speed and flexibility prevent him from being adequate in coverage. Where do you play him and feel good about it?
Elder2

RLeeEarl Timed speed is not always the way to implicate a player’s quickness on the field. 4.34-40 and 1.44-10 – FS/Special Teams Colin Jones (2011) is the fastest on paper and is a GREAT special teams player but not so much in changing directions and keeping up with others. Team speed is NOT the Panthers strong point. Knowledge and technique are far more important. The Panthers have an even faster guy on the practice squad in Byndom @CB but he was pasted over in favor of Lester.
12livelarge

BlackBlueReview RenoCarolina just bring B. Bersin up next man?
LindaCayeGibson

if you watch the replay. burfict delivers a viscious forearm shot to benjis facemask after he is wrapped up. obvious intentional shot to the head. that was a big forearm he slugged him with.