Snipit's Concerning Panthers from various sources

[PantherPaul]

Throw up what you find interesting:

Carolina Panthers - With a steady on the salary cap, the team did a
solid job of filling a bunch of holes with role players, such as
running back Lamar Smith, linebacker Mark Fields, defensive tackle Shane Burton and cornerback Terry Cousin. The team also didn't lose much in free agency and did a good job of unloading some high-priced veterans that will prevent future cap problems.

Carolina Panthers - The team is outwardly calm about its wide
receiver situation, but there is legitimate reason for concern.
Patrick Jeffers, who has been a non-factor because of knee problems the last two seasons, hasn't been able to do much in the offseason and it remains to be seen if he'll ever be close to the same level he was at before the injuries began. If Jeffers doesn't recover, there's no other clear-cut starter opposite Muhsin Muhammad.

Carolina Panthers - The team will give return specialist Steve Smith a shot at the job, but it's more likely he'll be used on the outside in three-receiver sets. It's more likely veteran Isaac Byrd will end up as a starter. Byrd never has been spectacular, but he's a solid possession receiver and could fit perfectly into the new offense.

Carolina Panthers - Walls remains well ahead of schedule in his
recovery from knee surgery and should be close to 100 percent by the start of camp. Walls likely wouldn't have returned if coach George Seifert stayed, but he'll be a huge part of Henning's offense. Weinke needs a reliable go-to receiver and Walls is the most likely candidate to fill that role.

 

[reb]

I have always thought Byrd should have been used way more than he was. I think he has the most receptions as a % of whats been thrown to him.

Byrd is the word.

 

[Big Russ]

He always seemed to catch a lot of 3rd down passes. He's tough too.

 

[McFly41]

The only problem I have with Byrd as our #2 is that neither he nor Moose are a real downfield threat. With Byrd at #2 and Smith at #3 it becomes obvious when we will take a shot down the field.

 

[Coach Micool]

smith

I say you put Smith at #2, and send him long EVERY friggin' play!

Byrd is a good possession reciever tho' , got to give him that, and had the least # of drops (with the exception of Walls, of course).
If you look at tapes, when the QB is on the run, Byrd seems to be able to get open- even if the QB doesn't throw it his way for whatever reason.

 

[catch]

A snippet that interest me from panther.com concerning Fernando Smith DE.

He has played with the Vikes when they were good on defense, the Ravens when they were dominate, Rams another good one, and the Jags when they kicked ass on D. He has been in the league 7 years and been to the playoffs 4 times. Now he comes to the Panthers and says that the Panthers have the most talent of them all. Quote " Just by being here a week, I see that they have more talent, just across board as far as speed and everything." and " once you get these guys playing on all four cylinders they can't help but win." Do you love this guy or what?

This guy is an enigma to me. He has credentials but has never been a fixture with any team. He comes to us, still in his prime, and says he sees himself as a vetern who can show some of these younger guys how to play. What the hell is up with that? Why not compete for the starting job and make a name for yourself.

Does anyone know what's going on with him? Why did he not play last year? He would seem to be a force desireable for any team.

 

[Canteen Boy]

From all I can find I have my doubts but I hope this guy can help us by providing solid back up for Rucker. He will be 31 this August 2nd and has had a history of injury concerns but maybe taking over a year off has given Smith a second wind.


From a 7/28/98 CNNSI article

>>>>>> MANKATO, Minnesota (AP) -- A year's worth of nagging injuries and a big contract for 1998 cost 6’ 6” 280 lb defensive end Fernando Smith his job with the Vikings on Tuesday.
The Vikings waived Smith after he failed to pass a physical. He had surgery this month to repair a hernia, an ailment which had bothered him for nearly a year but which had gone undetected despite numerous doctor visits.
Smith, a second-round draft pick in 1994, had 9.5 sacks and led Minnesota's defensive linemen with 79 tackles in 1996. He was to earn $1.675 million this season in the final year of his contract.

After what appeared to be a breakthrough season in 1996, Smith's 1997 season began to unravel when he slipped in the shower and injured a hamstring during training camp. He first noticed the pain in his abdomen (hernia) early in the regular season, and also played with "turf toe" in the big toes on both feet. He also suffers from chronic flatulence syndrome that is aggravated by stress. On game days it was apparently so extreme his teammates were not able to concentrate or even breathe at times. It is rumored that many Vikings players complained to the front office and got him cut. <<<<<<


Yes, I added the flatulence part but the rest is true and the poor bastard sounds like a walking infirmary. I wonder if he will be able to make it through camp . . . or even remain upright in the shower.
I copy/pasted the above from another board I posted on the topic. I hope he stays healthy and contributes. You're right catch those D's were good that he was involved with. Maybe he'll be our 280lb rabbits foot too!

 

[catch]

I like the article CB. Still tho, those injuries are not the career ending type that cannot be overcome. I'll hope for the best.

Farting Fernando, our rabbit foot. Okay I'll take that. Anything is better than 1-15.

 

[McFly41]

At worst, Smith's attitude counters Williams shitty attitude. At best, we get a vet player with some noted skill. I see a balance of pro and con, but what he does offer is promising!

 

[Tab Loyd]

You had me going for a minute with that chronic flatulence bit. It sounded like just the kind of stink the Panthers would get themselves into.