Geoff Cheek

Fox and Hurney met up with Doc Brown for a ride in the Delorean this week, going back in time to bring back Muhsin Muhammed as WR in the Panthers offense.  While his role isn’t clear (can he still fit a #2 spot, or will he be a #3 guy and key blocker for Smitty?), it is good that Smith has a guy that will take a hit.  There was a major void when Moose left the first time, and the void reappeared when Keyshawn was let go.  Glad to see that the organization has listened to their Pro Bowler and gotten him some help.

In ‘did this deserve a press release’ news, David Carr was released, one year into his two-year, $6M deal.  Sadly, it remains to be seen where this guy will ever find work again in this league.  Perhaps a quick stint in Canada is in order.  I can’t see a team pinning the backup jersey on this guy after his inability to take the lead in Charlotte last year.

Definitely more personnel moves to come for the Cats.  Most glaring need right now is a power running back. 

Geoff Cheek

In a step towards Owner Jerry Richardson’s dream of becoming a carbon copy of the Steelers, the Panthers have let go of Pro Bowl running back Deshawn Foster.  Foster had speed but carried with him a tendency for injuries.  With the emergence of De’Angelo Williams as a younger and healthier copycat, the Panthers now have the opportunity to go find the smashmouth halfback they once had in Stephen Davis.  They’ll find a bulky back to hammer it up the gut and they’ll use Williams for the options and tosses on the outside. 

 While the Panthers might try and find their dream back in the draft, they also realize that their current weapons on offense (limited) might not be as willing to stick it out and wait for a running game to develop over the next 3-4 years.  A guy like Steve Smith that is in his prime will want instant results and that might require going into the free agent market and finding a Julius Jones type of player.

No doubt, more to come in Charlotte as we brace for a minor overhaul of the offense this summer.

Geoff Cheek

After a retreat with owner Jerry Richardson to the team treefort somewhere near Dick Cheney’s hideout, Coach John Fox and GM Marty Hurney have emerged from the wreckage of the 2007 season and announced they will be back next fall.  Whether Mr. Richardson gave them the ‘make it or leave’ speech or not remains to be seen, but you have to think that the pair have used all of their lifelines to get to see another season in Carolina.

Key areas of focus for Hurney this summer - second WR, help for Gross on the line.  Key areas for Fox in camp - get Delhomme healthy, get Peppers back to life, build on the strong season of Jon Beason, keep Dan Morgan alive, groom the wide receivers so that we actually have a legitimate aerial threat beyond Steve Smith, understand that Foster isn’t Stephen Davis and can’t crash 10 yard rushes up the middle. 

Should be an interesting off-season in Charlotte.  Can we get Keyshawn out of the studio?