The biggest storyline surrounding the Carolina Panthers as we head into training camp is their perceived lack of weapons in the passing game, and it’s been re-hashed so many times that you would think more people would start slamming an offensive line that might not have a legitimate offensive tackle next season and could still end up losing stalwart guard Travelle Wharton. But the onus has been on the Panthers wide receivers corps, which will be led by first-round rookie Kelvin Benjamin and veteran additions Jerricho Cotchery and Jason Avant.
Cat Crave
Panthers tight end Greg Olsen stated that the team is growing tired of the criticism of their wide receivers corps, and he added that they have confidence in the group. He told the Charlotte Observer’s Joseph Person, “It’s kind of been the storyline of the offseason. Any time the Panthers have come up that’s kind of been the first comment made by everybody. I think guys are just kind of tired of it. I think we feel confident about our group. I think people are eager to get there, get to work and put together what works for us as an offense.”
Even though Olsen isn’t a wide receiver, he essentially plays like one as one of those “joker”-type tight ends, and he’ll be the leader of the team’s passing attack for the second straight year. Quietly one of the game’s best tight ends, the smart and well-spoken 29-year-old hauled in 73 passes for 816 yards and six touchdowns last season, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he does even better next year. I’m sure Olsen and the Panthers also have the greatest confidence in wide receivers coach Ricky Proehl, who is simply a magician.