The Carolina Panthers have more
problems than Jay-Z and his 99 problems. The current state of mind for this
team and the fans is the Panthers are not built for an empire. Ok, I am done
with the Jay-Z references. The Panthers’ roster is full of players who are
both suspended and injured. The 12-4 record from last season is an afterthought,
because of all the bad things that keep on happening. The Panthers play the
Chicago Bears this week and will have to go to battle with rookies and backups.
Here is the list of injured and
suspended players on the Carolina Panthers as of October 1st:
·
RB Jonathan Stewart – Questionable (Knee)
·
RB DeAngelo Williams - Out
·
FB Mike Tolbert - Out
·
TE Richie Brockel - Out
·
RB Fozzy Whittaker - Questionable
·
DE Greg Hardy - Suspended
·
DE Frank Alexander - Suspended
·
DE Charles Johnson – Day to Day
·
LB Thomas Davis – Day to Day
How are the Panthers fighting through
this huge list of problems? How are they trying to give us fans hope? They are
giving their rookies an opportunity to show the NFL why they deserve a spot on
this team. Who are these rookies?
1. Kelvin Benjamin
(WR) – The Carolina Panthers first round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. We all
know who Kelvin Benjamin is. He has started for the Carolina Panthers since
game one. Benjamin currently leads the Panthers in receiving with 21 receptions,
329 yards and three touchdowns. He is currently on pace to be the offensive
rookie of the year. He has the size of Calvin Johnson and the hands of Larry
Fitzgerald. Benjamin is both a key player and impact player on this Carolina
Panthers squad.
2. Darrin Reaves (RB) –
Darrin Reaves is a hidden gem out of UAB. Reaves was undrafted and showed the
Carolina Panthers what he had in the tank in camp. He is a small running back,
with a compact build that loves contact. Reaves recorded a total of 2,337
rushing yards in college, and played on a team that had a losing record of
8-28. Reaves has earned the starter role against the Chicago Bears and should punish
some linebackers on his way to the end zone.
3. Kony Ealy (DE) –
The second round pick for the Carolina Panthers in the 2014 NFL Draft. Ealy is
a big, athletic, pash rusher who is quick off the snap. He was First-team
All-SEC in 2013 and finished the season with 43 tackles, and 9.5 sacks. He has
had some ups and downs throughout the preseason and season. Cam Newton gave
Ealy some tough love during camp, and Ealy used that fuel to light his fire.
Kony might get the opportunity to play more because of the injury to Charles
Johnson and the suspension of Greg Hardy. Ealy should be able to help pressure
Jay Cutler and cause an interception or two.
If the Carolina Panthers want to get
into the NFL playoffs this season, they will need help from their rookies. Do
you see these rookies having an impact on the matchup against the Chicago
Bears?
