From LSU To Stopping Gerald McCoy
September 2nd, 2014
Carolina has bigger guard issues than the Bucs
Many Bucs fans struck themselves with hammers the moment running back Charles Sims was drafted in the third round back in May. These fans wondered how the Bucs could do such thing when they had pressing needs at guard and a strong stable of running backs.
The Panthers, however, went guard in the third round and snagged LSU beast Trai Turner and dropped him into their starting lineup.
This 21-year-old rookie with a bad groin now will be asked to stop All-World Gerald McCoy on Sunday. Joe wouldn’t bet against the kid wetting his pants.
The Charlotte Observer typed up a piece that takes a good look at the Panthers’ shaky guard position. Here’s an excerpt on Turner.
Rivera said his main concern with the 6-foot-3, 320-pound Turner is his conditioning level after his two-week break because of the groin injury.
“Trai’s coming off the groin. We also know it’s going to be hot, and he hasn’t had a chance to truly condition like a lot of the other guys. So if we do anything, he’ll have to be spelled on occasion,” Rivera said. “It’s going to tax him. It’s going to tax anybody. So we’ll just make sure he’s ready to roll.”
Turner isn’t sure which play he was injured against the Chiefs, only that “something funky happened.” He had his groin wrapped during Monday’s practice, and it’s unclear whether he’s 100 percent.
(Click through above if you want to read more.)
Yes, the Panthers have major issues on their O-line. Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil will be a busy man helping out his brethren. And the Bucs should stuff the run.
Cam Newton likely will be on the move quite a bit, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing for Carolina. Joe hopes Alterraun Verner’s hamstring holds up strong as Newton extends plays.
September 2nd, 2014 at 12:24 pm
Newton is tough to bring down because of his size and he also seems to have better balance while moving in and out of the pocket. Honestly can’t stand the dude with his superman routine even when he’s down 38-0. I hope McCoy sticks that S right up his A$$.
September 2nd, 2014 at 12:25 pm
Turner should be a Buc… If it weren’t for a completely idiotic 3rd round pick…
September 2nd, 2014 at 12:31 pm
when is Sims coming back from surgery?
September 2nd, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Cam stuck it to us last year with his TD run right through the lane where our stunting Clayborn should have been (thanks Sheridan). I think our D is going to be fine sunday. Although I’m a little concerned with our pass defense, which was horrid in the pre season, albeit those guys were back-ups and are mostly off the team, and the coaches did not game plan. Also hoping we see a big improvement in the run game. Our yards per carry have been terrible. All that said, just win.
September 2nd, 2014 at 12:44 pm
When is Sims placed on IR so we can get a KR
September 2nd, 2014 at 12:44 pm
The ps game I did see Cam appeared to be favoring his ankle. Wasn’t the dominate runner he usually is. Add the rib injury and we may be able to get some pressure if not a sack or two.
September 2nd, 2014 at 12:46 pm
@Bucnjim – Honestly can’t stand the dude with his superman routine even when he’s down 38-0 – I can not stand that either superman my arse.. His smurky face sickens me.. Ya Baby..
September 2nd, 2014 at 12:48 pm
Not sure if there is an NFL team that has 5 pro bowls on their o-line. Not sure if there are that many that have seasoned veterans at all 5 o-line spots.
In fact, I am pretty sure it is NORMAL to have new players along the o-line.
Talking about a RG as a major issue is much to do about nothing.
September 2nd, 2014 at 1:14 pm
Getting a little tired of hearing people 2nd guess the Sims pick in round 3. Kid looked good through camp and preseason and it appears we have another quality player for this team. No guarantees for any draft pick much less a 3rd rounder so we should feel good based on what we’ve seen thus far. If we had drafted a guard, like Thomas, and expected him to start we would all be concerned about playing Carolina with a rookie at guard. You think they are a little concerned about him playing McCoy this week?
September 2nd, 2014 at 1:47 pm
Pressure up the middle and contain the ends. Cam won’t be able to escape very often. Slam him early if it costs 15 yards and let him know early that it will be a long painful day, unless he chooses to ride the pine.
Go Bucs!!!
September 2nd, 2014 at 2:43 pm
Carolina always seemed to play us dirty, lots of questionable hits over the years. Not advocating cheap shots on anybody but if we take a roughing call so be it.
After saying this, the roughing call Clayborn took on the Brees hit last year (incidental helmet to helmet) still infuriates me.
September 2nd, 2014 at 3:25 pm
Good point bucnjim. Newton is harder to bring down than many nfl RBs sans Lynch and PPeterson. It won’t be enough if only one pass rusher gets to him. We need to gang up on him like we did during season opener of 2012.
September 2nd, 2014 at 4:00 pm
I don’t think Cam will be doing very much running week one with the ankle that kept him from working with his receivers all camp and the fractured rib. Either way I doubt he will make it thru the whole game. Seriously. GO BUCS!!!
September 2nd, 2014 at 4:06 pm
Cant see the Panthers risking Cam’s whole season week one by having him run around very much. Cam’s got a longgggggg way to go and needs to get healthier not hurt more. Gonna be a great game! GO BUCS!!!
September 2nd, 2014 at 4:35 pm
Cam is a jackass. He will not play the whole game. He will be lucky to survive the first half. The only thing that makes this game close is that we might not have an offensive coordinator. GMC and Johnson will take out Newton in 2nd quarter. Panthers will have a down year, under .500.
September 2nd, 2014 at 10:28 pm
I don’t want to see him miss time. I want to see Superman get the crap kicked out of him each and every week this year. He wants $20 million a year? Fine, make him earn it by sucking it up and playing until he can’t stand anymore. I don’t want Panther fans making the excuse that because Newton wasn’t out there it made their season went down the crapper. Nah, no excuses. Suck it up and understand what Buc fans went through in 2013.
September 2nd, 2014 at 11:54 pm
Cam Newton is a big man, and hard to bring down. He can be very very dangerous as a runner, especially when he runs to extend plays. But, he no longer has Steve Smith to break our backs anymore.
It will take him and his receivers time to develop broken play skills, time I doubt he will have, the very first game of the season.
This game will be packed with zillions of screaming fans, and it will be hot as hell too.
I think Carolina can be had, and we can beat them at home this Sunday.
We must develop an attitude of not losing at home, if we are to become competitive.
Go Bucs!