Carolina Panthers: Jimmy Boyd’s thoughts
With training camp in full swing, the bets are coming in from all sides. All these experts have been reaching out, wanting to discuss how the Carolina Panthers will do in the 2015 season. Of course, there are all different perspectives, as we had spoken to NFL analyst Kevin Stott, of SportsbookReview.com, selecting our Carolina Panthers to win the NFC South for the 2015 season.
We discussed analyst Jason Lake’s, also a member of SportsbookReview.com, picks. However, Lake had a differing opinion in his selection of the Saints with the NFC South title. Something we surely disagree with going into the 2015 season.
Now, expert Jimmy Boyd (@boydsbets) of boydsbets.com spoke with www.catcrave.com about his take on the NFC South entering the 2015 season. As in the past, check out Jimmy’s answer to the questions I asked, with my rebuttal.
Question: Who was the Falcons, Saints andBucs best draft pick and why?
Jul 31, 2015; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley (44) leaves the field after practice during training camp at Flowery Branch Traning Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Answer: Saints: Stephone Anthony – I think Anthony will end up starting ahead of Dannell Ellerbe and should help improve the Saints awful run defense, which ranked 29th (132.8 ypg).
Falcons: Vic Beasley – The Falcons had just 22 sacks (T-30th) as a team last year. Beasley gives Atlanta a legit pass rusher, something they haven’t had the last couple of years.
Buccaneers: Jameis Winston – This one is easy. Despite the concerns with all the off-field distractions, Winston has all the tools to develop into a franchise quarterback.
Rebuttal: First, I agree with the Anthony pick for the Saints. He has received a lot of action in camp and is already calling plays at the line. Coaches know greatness and by Sean Payton giving Anthony this much power early on, he knows how good Anthony will be. Again, I agree with Jimmy regarding Beasley, provided he pans out. Reason being, his sack total at Clemson in 2014 – 12. I also have to agree with Jimmy regarding Winston as he does have the tools to be a franchise quarterback. As the Bucs build, they have to build around Winston and if they place solid guys around him in addition to Mike Evans, Cam and James will be going head-to-head for years.
Question: Will Winston live up to the hype this year?
Answer: I think it will be a mix of both good and bad. Winston has the talent to put up solid numbers right away, especially given the dynamic duo of Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson on the outside. However, he’s going to suffer through the same growing pains as all rookie quarterbacks.
Rebuttal: I do not see any good coming from Winston this year. As mentioned, Mike Evans is a plus to help him along, but it is the Bucs and I just do not see how one man, Winston or not, will immediately be able to take this team up a notch without more players around him.