If Branch is lost for the season...

Just thinking ahead here. I'm hoping Branch's knee injury is not serious. However, if it is serious...what do you think the Panthers should do? Move Minter back to SS and promote Bashir to starting FS? What do you guys think?

 

i thought minter already switched back.

 

He is indeed already moved, so yes. Don't move Davis back. He's not ready to start anywhere, anyway. He can blitz, and tackle, but not play (yet). He played in some kind of 3 S set (I think) in Ga, where he was some kind of deep LB. He'd be lost at S.

Well 4 Ss left. Good thing all of them are reasonable NFL S's, except Emmanual, who I've read has looked good. I didnt really notice him.

 

I didn't realize they moved Minter back to SS. So, if Bashir and Minter are our opening day starters (if Branch is out), do you think Davis will start at SLB? I know you said you don't think he's ready, but he's got two pre season games left, and you usually get your 1st round pick on the field as quick as you can.

 

I think as soon as we can will be next year. It will just traumatize him to be beaten and lost all over the place. We've never had the depth to be able to sit a 1st rounder for a year before. He'll get plenty of time working in special packages so he can learn. Besides, the team looks to be good this year, and I'd like to play our best players.

 

you put your best players on the field. FInd that combination, and use it. It's no more complicated than that.

 

Hopefully Short or Draft can come back and man the SLB spot and let us work Davis in slowly. I think he would be fine right now on blitzes. I thought he showed a lot of ability last night. He made some nice plays. Once he learns where he is supposed to be and what to do in different situations he will be very good.

 

That is understood. What I'm asking is what do you predict? What is our Defensive starting lineup against the Saints week 1?

 

No idea. I don't think it's right to count out Davis, but the only constant is Minter. Bashir right now seems like the choice to play the other safety, but he looks lumbering and lost. McCree has impacted ST, but he's not really pushed anyone hard as a starting safety. Emanuel I haven't seen much.

Right now, the default seems to have been Bashir/Minter. I feel like that's the best we have. But it's not where it should be.

 

What were your impressions of Branch before the injury?