Carolina Panthers Weekend News Update
In a short amount of time, there are already a few announcements to be made on the Carolina Panthers, regarding defensive end Julius Peppers, the status of special teams coordinator, and the future of quarterback Matt Moore.
Jeff Rodgers promoted to Special Teams Coordinator
The Associated Press reported that on Saturday, Panthers special teams and strength and conditioning assistant Jeff Rodgers was promoted to the special teams coordinator position, which Danny Crossman was fired from two weeks ago.
The 32-year-old Rodgers was the special teams coordinator at Kansas State in 2008, and also worked for the San Francisco 49ers from 2003-07.
The Panthers special teams unit ranked near the bottom of many statistical categories, including punt and kickoff coverage.
Pep in his step: Will he stay or will he go?
Peppers was interviewed by the Boston Herald as the 2010 Pro Bowl team was wrapping up it’s final practice before Sunday’s 2010 Pro Bowl.
Peppers was all-around very non-committal in his responses to questions asked by the Herald’s writer. The only indication he gave of his intentions were, “anywhere is a potential landing spot. I’m not going to say I want to play for any team or I prefer to play anywhere, because I really haven’t thought about it. I haven’t thought about playing for x, y or z.”
When asked if he’d like to remain in Carolina, he responded “I don’t have a preference, I’m just trying to get on a team right now; I just want to get a contract.”
The Panthers do still have the power of placing the franchise tag on Peppers, but at a cost of roughly $20 million, the financial impact should sway the organization from forcing Peppers to stay in that scenario.
Right now, Matt Moore seems the more likely candidate than Peppers, to receive the franchise tag.
Let’s not anoint him the starting QB yet
According to beat writer Steve Reed, Matt Moore is not a “slam dunk” as the Panthers’ starting quarterback in 2010.
John Fox has been loyal to a fault with his veterans, but we have a hard time believing a washed-up Jake Delhomme has a legit chance to win an open competition. Though the Panthers are expected to “add a younger quarterback to the mix as well,” Moore has to be considered the favorite to open Week 1 as the starter.
Information in this post credited to Steve Reed of Carolina Growl, Yahoo Sports, and the Associated Press.