Hello CSR! Welcome to Brian Answers, part two of your weekly Panthers fan mailbag for everyone! We have one final week of preseason to get through before its on to the final roster cut down, practice squad signings, and then game week! Let’s dive in to your final round of preseason questions!
RobHolland211: Hi Brian. Based solely on what we’ve seen this preseason, do you think we win the division again this year or do you think one (or two) of our NFC South foes have a chance of overtaking us?
I have
a hard time basing much on the preseason. I think the Falcons are going to be dead in the water unless Michael Penix really bounces back. I do think the Buccaneers could win the NFC South, while I think the Saints will once again be competitive. But this division is still as unpredictable as ever to me.
GooseCreek: Brian, you are among a group of football enthusiasts gathered to discuss NFL rules you would like to add or change. After these discussions, a list of proposals will be sent to Troy Vincent, NFL Exec. V.P. of Football Operations for evaluation and referral to Commissioner Goodell.
What changes or additions are you advocating?]
I would push for an additional bye week and add more final roster spots and active GameDay roster spots. I think both of these will help increase the longevity of the rosters over the course of the ever expanding NFL season and subsequent increased travel with international games. Plus, it gives more young talents time and paychecks to develop in the NFL. Those are the only ones I am really all that passionate about, there were some really good answers to this question so share all your thoughts down below, CSR faithful.
@WTMealey: We might know the answer before the other article drops but anywho
How many players not currently on the roster will we claim on waivers and make the initial 53?
How many of our current players that we cut will end up on some other teams initial 53?
The Panthers do tend to churn the 53 man roster cuts, so I’ll go with 2 players they might add.
I think maybe 2 for the Panthers to make other 53 man rosters. I don’t expect Xavier Legette to be waived so he’s not on my list. This Panthers squad is a bit deeper than seasons past.
Randallpink11: Is Corey Thorton making the 53? I have seen several reports suggesting he does not. What does the mighty Brain have to say about it?
I don’t have a whole lot of doubt that he does make the roster. He made it last season and played some valuable snaps as part of the regular season defense before injuries. I have 4 guys ahead of him on the depth chart (Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, Chau Smith-Wade, Will Lee III). I would expect at least 5 CBs to make the roster and an additional 1 or 2 making the practice squad.
Revshawn: What would be the equivalent of natural disaster it would be if Haynes King is cut on the final cut day and he’s claimed by the Atlanta Falcons?
I appreciate a good bit, but its not outside of the realm of possibility the Panthers let King hit waivers and try to add him back to the practice squad. I think its more likely he sticks and Kyle Trask gets released, but I’m not staking my name to that claim just yet. But if waiving King happens, it will suck a little bit.
Good_Ol_Boy: Have you been impressed by our incoming rookie class in the preseason? Do you think any of them will be cut outright and not be put on the PS?
I don’t see much reason for the Panthers to waive any of their rookie draft class. I’d consider Will Lee III, Sam Hecht, and Zakee Wheatley pretty safe at this point. They may waive Jackson Kuwatch but I’d expect him to go back to the practice squad. If you’re talking UDFAs, I’m not getting into that one.
SmoothC: What order so you see the NFC south finishing?
I see the Bucs, Panthers, Saints, and Falcons as the order, with the top of the division once again super close in record. I could even see the Panthers slipping to 3rd or 4th by only a game or twos difference and tiebreakers. Still a real hard division to predict right now.
schrodingersblackcat: What’s your favorite Dolly Parton song (or other artistic contribution)?
What’s your favorite Tim Curry role?
Jolene and I Will Always Love You will always be classics for me. They may be easy answers but its just not difficult to me. As a side note, check out Dollywood if you never got the chance to.
For me, Tim Curry’s version of It will always be my favorite. Just a classic film in the horror genre.
SnarkyComet: How do you think our RB group will look on Week 1 vs the Bears? Like what percentage do you see the usage of each RB? With Hubbard coming off injury I’m anxious to see how/who we roll out there for the run game.
I know no one is 100% safe that’s not named Hubbard or Brooks so you can say 3rd RB if it helps. Or do you have a strong idea of who that third RB is?
I’m not overly concerned with Chuba Hubbard, it very much seems like Carolina is playing it safe with a soft tendon issue, and they really don’t need to trot Chuba out there during the preseason when he’s nursing an injury. I think Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks will split a healthy number of carries, but if Chuba is still hampered I don’t see any reason they won’t use Trevor Etienne. I’m way more worried about other positions than running back right now.
JakeNCVA: I’m all out of questions; other than ones that will have to wait until the regular season gets underway to get answers.
Great final comment to end the preseason mailbag, I’m exhausted with trying to project this and am just excited to see the real thing.
That’s all for this week, Panthers fans. Enjoy the preseason game!
