mathmajors
Roll Wave
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The Way We Hear It:
You realize how dire Carolina’s WR situation is when you hear that new head coach John Fox is already targeting a big receiver as a top priority in next year’s draft along with a big cornerback. While Fox appears to have a lot of faith in featured WR Muhsin Muhammad, who had his share of problems last season, the Panthers’ WR situation opposite Muhammad is as clear as mud — in great part due to the lingering injury woes of Patrick Jeffers. Jeffers, who hasn’t made much of a contribution since tearing an anterior cruciate ligament in the 2000 preseason, is continuing to feel the effects of five knee surgeries, and while the team is not quite ready to completely give up on him, it’s looking more and more like the seven-year vet’s days in a Panthers uniform could be numbered. The top candidates for the No. 2 WR job are Isaac Byrd, a solid backup who has never been a full-time starter, and second-year pro Steve Smith, who electrified Panthers fans with his return exploits in his rookie season and is anxious to make a splash in the Panthers’ offense. We hear Fox might be more inclined toward going with Smith because of his desire for the team’s younger high-profile players to step up to the plate and contribute. The problem with Smith, though, is that in addition to being undersized with questionable durability, he’s not even used to being a third receiver. Don’t be surprised if Byrd, a much safer option, ends up starting on Opening Day.
You realize how dire Carolina’s WR situation is when you hear that new head coach John Fox is already targeting a big receiver as a top priority in next year’s draft along with a big cornerback. While Fox appears to have a lot of faith in featured WR Muhsin Muhammad, who had his share of problems last season, the Panthers’ WR situation opposite Muhammad is as clear as mud — in great part due to the lingering injury woes of Patrick Jeffers. Jeffers, who hasn’t made much of a contribution since tearing an anterior cruciate ligament in the 2000 preseason, is continuing to feel the effects of five knee surgeries, and while the team is not quite ready to completely give up on him, it’s looking more and more like the seven-year vet’s days in a Panthers uniform could be numbered. The top candidates for the No. 2 WR job are Isaac Byrd, a solid backup who has never been a full-time starter, and second-year pro Steve Smith, who electrified Panthers fans with his return exploits in his rookie season and is anxious to make a splash in the Panthers’ offense. We hear Fox might be more inclined toward going with Smith because of his desire for the team’s younger high-profile players to step up to the plate and contribute. The problem with Smith, though, is that in addition to being undersized with questionable durability, he’s not even used to being a third receiver. Don’t be surprised if Byrd, a much safer option, ends up starting on Opening Day.
