Will Curtis Samuel make an impact for the Panthers on Sunday?
Could Sunday be the Panthers wideout’s best game of the season?
For those wanting wideout Curtis Samuel to have a big week, you may finally get your wish. On Thursday, Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Norv Turner noted that Samuel may be incorporated into the game plan.
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From the sounds of it, he may make a big impact. Between recovering from injuries and the fact that Samuel has not had a had a ton of practice time, making a big impact is not something he has been able to do recently. Coming into the season, I thought that Samuel’s biggest hinderance would be injuries. So far that has proven to be the case. As Turner notes, Samuel has not had much time to practice.
"“The one thing that is a little bit forgotten, I think this is about his third week practicing,” said Turner. “He missed most of camp, as we know, and then he obviously had a very, very serious condition. We have plans for Curtis. … Curtis is gonna get his shot.”"
What I want to know is what “getting his shot” means Will he be a big-time playmaker on Sunday? Alternatively, will he be on the field a ton but not get many targets? My guess is that we will see a situation somewhere in the middle: a big playmaker on few touches. That would make a ton of sense given that it sounds as though the team wants to ease him in slowly. I have no problem with that.
More than anything, I am anxious to see him back out there, playing at a high level. The past couple of seasons have robbed him of his complete skillset as the injury bug has caught up with him. If we are able to see a fraction of “Ohio State” Curtis Samuel at any point this season, I would be thrilled. I am definitely asking a lot there, and that statement definitely goes under the category of “wishful thinking.”
On the season, Samuel has two receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown came against the New York Giants. In that contest, he caught four balls for 37 yards in addition to the touchdown. Averaging 18.5 yards per catch, he showed off some of that big-play potential. That is what many (including myself) are hoping to see on Sunday.
dark. Next. Panthers should be mindful for Agholor
Until then, it remains to be seen how exactly the former Ohio State star will be used on Sunday. Maybe he can fly under the radar as the Eagles defenders will be preoccupied with other receivers. Hopefully for his sake, he will get targets early and often and in turn become a key member of the passing attack.