Roster Cuts on the Horizon

With the first roster cuts of the 2008 season approaching, Carolina Panthers Head Coach John Fox and General Manager Marty Hurney have some decision making to do. Fox and Hurney will have the rest of the week, as well as this weekend’s game versus the Washington Redskins to evaluate guys trying to make the team. So, which players are on the bubble of being the first five cut?

After successful training camps and preseason games, there are a few players on the roster who have guaranteed themselves a spot on the roster after the first cut: WR Jason Carter, DT Gary Gibson, TE Chad Upshaw, and RB Decori Birmingham. All four of these guys needed to come into camp ready to compete for a spot on the final roster, and while it is still uncertain who will make the final cut, these four guys look liked they’ve managed to get past the first cuts. Though, if I had to choose two that would make the final roster I would say it would be Jason Carter and Gary Gibson.

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Preseason game #2 Analysis

Quarterbacks

Jake Delhomme- No overthrown balls, all balls thrown were catchable.  A few behind the receivers.  Throws interception on ball tipped by Jeff King, ball slipped.

Matt Moore- First throw way off base, still has to fine tune his mechanics.  2nd drive makes bad read and gets sac.  Should have checked down to Stewart. 3rd down Moore throws another errant incompletion.  Another bad throw by Moore, throws ball too far back for Taylor and play ends up losing yards.  Another errant throw on 3rd down, received pressure from right side.  Read the story »

Injury Update: Smith, Lucas, Practice

For the first time since August first, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith and cornerback Ken Lucas squared off against each other during practice. It appears that the team has completely moved on from the brawl on August first, and it’s good to see both players back on the field practicing. Panther’s Head Coach John Fox even quoted: “In fact, until you mentioned it,” Fox said about the fight “I didn’t think about it. It’s good to have them both back.” This at least shows you that the fight isn’t lingering in anyone’s mind.

The Panthers will still be without Smith for the first two regular season games, and with Muhsin Muhammad joining the ranks of the Panthers injured wide receiving corps, things look a little grim. With Moose not practicing from bruised ribs suffered on the nasty endzone collision with Eagle Brain Dawkins, the Panthers are left with Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett, who returned to practice Saturday also, as starters. With three weeks left till the season begins, there is still time for the Panthers to get healthy, specifically D. J. Hackett and that lingering toe injury. Read the story »