NFL team previews — NFC West
Aug. 22, 2000
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Panthers RB
Tshimanga Biakabutuka
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Think the Panthers might consider changing monikers? Considering all the bad luck that
has already swept through Carolina this season, it wouldn’t be all that shocking if
Panthers fans started blaming their "black cat" mascot for all of the
team’s misfortune.
Three weeks into the preseason, the Panthers have been hit with more significant
injuries than any team in the league. Three extremely critical players have already gone
down for the count in 2000 — strong-legged PK John Kasay (kneecap), 1,000-yard WR
Patrick Jeffers (knee) and the likely rookie starter at free safety, Deon Grant (hip). In
addition, two valuable backups, promising second-year S Tony Booth and WR Jim Turner, have
been ruled out for this season with knee injuries.
In the second year of head coach George Seifert’s regime, the Panthers continue to
put up a good front. But taking into account the carnage that has already rocked the team,
you have to think some people in the organization are privately wondering whether a nasty,
season-long snake bite is in the offing.
The Panthers’ WR situation is especially shaky because of the injuries to Jeffers
and Turner, who suffered his third season-ending injury in three preseasons with the team.
Less than two weeks before their regular-season opener vs. the Redskins, the Panthers had
only two receivers who have played in the NFL — Muhsin Muhammad and Donald Hayes.
Heading into training camp, there was definitely reason for optimism, mainly due to an
offense that developed into one of the most explosive in the league last season. In
addition, the team opened its checkbook wide to fortify a defense that ranked 26th
in the NFL last year, signing high-profile veteran free agents such as Reggie White, Chuck
Smith, Jimmy Hitchcock, Lee Woodall, Eric Swann and Eugene Robinson.
White is a particularly intriguing addition. Not only is he expected to be a force on
passing downs. As an ordained minister, he can be counted on to say lots of prayers for a
team that has already been stung badly by the almighty injury bug.
Top of page
| Quarterbacks |
Grade B- |
| Veteran signalcaller Steve Beuerlein is coming off a career
season in which he led the NFL in passing yardage, finished second in TD passes and made
his first trip to the Pro Bowl in 13 years. But five minor offseason surgeries are cause
for concern. Behind him, both Jeff Lewis and Dameyune Craig have struggled so far this
preseason, but Seifert says he still has confidence in his backup situation and isn’t
ready to bring in a veteran free agent like ex-Panther Steve Bono, as has been rumored. Top of page |
| Running backs |
Grade C+ |
| The Panthers can thank their lucky stars that at least
Tshimanga Biakabutuka is still in one piece. Biakabutuka, who has never been able to get
through an entire season without getting hurt at some point, looks to be in the best shape
of his life, thanks to a new training regimen that includes yoga, martial arts and
prolonged stretching. If he stays healthy, his first 1,000-yard season is quite likely. FB
William Floyd is little more than a pounding blocker. The backup RB position is a serious
question mark. Special-teams ace Michael Bates was getting a lot of work there before
suffering a sprained knee that is expected to keep him out the remainder of the preseason,
and he looked decent. But Natrone Means, who was expected to be the replacement for the
departed Fred Lane as the team’s No. 2 back, is still limping around noticeably. Top of page |
| Receivers |
Grade B+ |
| The loss of Jeffers was a huge blow to a passing offense in
which he became an explosive third option behind fellow WR Muhsin Muhammad and TE Wesley
Walls. Now, both Muhammad, who is coming off a huge season, and fellow Pro Bowler Walls,
who catches everything in range and is a money player near the goal line, could be
double-teamed to death — unless Hayes can cut the mustard as Jeffers’
replacement. Hayes is big and fast, but he’s as raw as steak tartare. The Panthers
are definitely expected to add receiver help off the waiver wire, where names of possible
cuts such as Keith Poole (New Orleans), D’Wayne Bates (Chicago) and Courtney Hawkins
(Pittsburgh) have already been mentioned. Ex-Seahawk Justin Armour is another possibility. Top of page |
| Offensive linemen |
Grade C |
| OL coach Tony Wise has molded together another decent but
athletically limited unit that pass-blocks much better than it run-blocks. The only change
from ’99 is at right guard, where the Panthers hope second-year undrafted free agent
Jamar Nesbit can hold the fort — at least until free-agent addition James Dexter
fully recovers from a triceps injury. ORT Chris Terry has good feet and shows promise. OLG
Matt Campbell is the line’s best athlete. C Frank Garcia is tenacious but has only
average strength. OLT Clarence Jones is a journeyman who generally gets the job done. Top of page |
| Defensive linemen |
Grade B- |
| The late addition of White looks like a coup — he has
been impressive in his limited practice time. Swann’s knees remain shaky, but he
looked pretty good in his first extended action in the preseason vs. the Ravens. Both
players are viewed as situational pass rushers, although White may be capable of doing
more than initially expected. DT Sean Gilbert can be dominant inside on occasion but
continues to wear the underachiever label. The Panthers hope ex-Falcon Smith, a vocal
player with an all-world work ethic, will light a fire under Gilbert and also reach double
digits in sacks at right end. Free-agent addition Jay Williams has edged ahead of
disappointing former No. 1 draft pick Jason Peter at left end. Journeyman Tim Morabito
will play on running downs inside. Top of page |
| Linebackers |
Grade C- |
| Woodall replaces the retired Kevin Greene in the starting
lineup, and while he’s nowhere near the same kind of pass-rushing force as Greene, he
is a much better pass defender. With Donta Jones having been surprisingly cut loose —
as much to create cap room for a wide receiver as anything else — untested rookie
Lester Towns takes over in the middle, with Dean Wells, who has looked impressive this
preseason, moving to the strong side. Top of page |
| Defensive backs |
Grade C- |
| A real work in progress, especially at the safety position.
Grant, who was looking pretty good before getting hurt, will be replaced at free safety by
Robinson, who’s also a former Falcon, and No. 1 draft pick Rashard Anderson, who has
struggled after being converted from cornerback. The CB spots will be manned by the trio
of Hitchcock and holdovers Doug Evans and Eric Davis. Mike Minter has switched back to
strong safety, where his run support should help. Top of page |
| Special teams |
Grade C |
| Kasay had appeared to be back on track from a serious
anterior cruciate ligament injury before his kneecap cracked in half in a routine practice
session. For the moment, Richie Cunningham, who replaced Kasay after he was injured last
season, looks as though he’ll do the same thing again this season. Left-footed Ken
Walter is a decent directional punter. Bates, an NFL All-Decade selection as a kick
returner, has added punt returns to his duties. The coverage, which lacked speed in
’99, must improve. Top
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