The first Q&A of the training camp is out. Lots of goodies to read.
The first week of camp is nearly complete. Although the Panthers have yet to go in full pads, I can make some observations about the team and some of the players. As most of you know, Dave Wannstedt split the squad into two groups with half practicing in the morning and the other half, primarily the freshmen, practicing in the afternoon. The result has been two distinctly different practices: The first is more crisp and efficient and the other is more choppy and has a lot less flow to it because the freshmen are just trying to learn the plays.
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The key for everyone to remember, however, is most of the talent on the team is young and that means there is no way to be certain how they will respond when the lights go on. I think the offensive line in will be better than people think and the defensive line will compete, but the team’s fate lies mostly with the younger players and how quickly they develop.
I have a hard time believing this team is capable of winning more than seven or eight games. Still, that would be a nice step forward and there is an excellent foundation being built for the future.
I would caution anyone from putting unrealistic expectations on any of the freshmen because they are just that — freshmen — and they have a long way to go. A few of them will help this year, but this class won’t ultimately be ready to really make an impact for a year or two.
As a beat writer, he is almost protective of the new kids.
Right now it’s a lot of speculation.
Here are a few of my impressions on his Zeise’s player notes:
“Defensive tackle Jason Pinkston has been very difficult for the offense to block.”
Is that a compliment? You could insert “my grandmother” in place of “Jason Pinkston” and the comment would still be accurate.
Okay, that was mean.
“Wide receiver Dorin Dickerson has struggled a little and looks to be a little heavier than he should be. It may have cost him speed and quickness.”
That doesn’t worry me much. Greg Lee and Larry Fitzgerald were not speed demons either, but they made out alright (I’m ignoring last year’s version of Greg Lee). I’m not saying Dickerson will be anything close to Larry, I’m just saying a lack of speed and quickness can be overcome.
“Tackle Jeff Otah has been as good — perhaps even a little better — than advertised.”
Everything I have read about this guy makes me warm and fuzzy.