Panthers Need a #2

This Charlotte Observer article, written by the great Stan Olsen, is another true gem from the man who allegedly covers the Panthers.  In it, Olsen makes the claim that the Panthers need a second solid receiver to compliment Steve Smith.  Now, at this point, Mr. Olsen is not wrong.  The Panthers certainly struggled last year to get the ball to Steve Smith, and without a solid playmaker stretching the field, the Panthers saw a significant drop in offensive productivity.  However, I believe this drop in productivity was more directly linked to the Panthers’ issues at quarterback.

First of all, Mr. Olsen points out that Steve Smith’s numbers dropped as soon as the quarterbacking controversy began in Carolina.  He is correct on this point.  However, he then goes on - in the same article - to bang on Dwayne Jarrett for not adjusting to the play at the NFL level.  How is it that your veteran leader receiver gets a pass for having a down year because of the QB issues, but your rookie receiver isn’t given the same pass?  That makes no sense.  The Panthers don’t need receivers.  They don’t need a running back either.  This team is doing just fine, and making dumb knee-jerk moves in free agency won’t help at all.

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