Friday, September 8, 2017

Weekly update on the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets!

            Since it's Friday, it’s time for a Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets weekly news roundup! Let’s start with the Charlotte Hornets news since there hasn’t been much news from the Hornets this past week. But it was announced that the Hornets are close to signing Eddie Jordan as an assistant coach to head coach Steve Coach according to the Charlotte Observer. Charlotte is finalizing a contract for Eddie Jordan, Jordan would fill the role formerly held by Bob Weiss, who recently joined the staff of the Denver Nuggets. Jordan was the head coach of the Sacramento Kings (1996-98), Washington Wizards (2003-08) and Philadelphia 76ers (2009-10). He was 257-343 in those jobs, coaching 4 playoffs appearances with the Wizards. Charlotte coaching staff lost a lot of experience in the past 6 months. Associate head coach Patrick Ewing left in the spring to become head coach at his alma mater, Georgetown. Then Weiss moved on to the Nuggets to be closer to his family living in Denver. After Ewing left, Stephen Silas was elevated to lead assistant, Silas has been with the Charlotte Hornets since 2010. And it was just announced by head coach Steve Clifford that Michael Carter-Williams had a knee procedure in August and is uncertain if he’ll be ready for the season-opener; he also announced the starters going into camp. Kemba Walker, Nic Batum, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marvin Williams and Dwight Howard.
            Next up is the Carolina Panthers, unlike the Hornets, the Panthers has had a busy week. Carolina cut roster the roster to mandated 57 rosters. The notable names that were cut were third string quarterback and Panthers pre-season MVP Joe Webb and punter Andy Lee were both cuts, Webb signed with the Buffalo Bills and Lee signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Left footed Michael Palardy won the punting job after having a strong summer. Rookie Alex Armah made the practice squad, who the Panthers really like but is a working project. Panthers reached an injury settlement with cornerback Zach Sanchez, who becomes free-agency. The injury was hip, not the groin. Carolina traded wideout Kaelin Clay to Buffalo and a 2019 seventh round-pick for second-year cornerback Kevon Seymour. Seymour, a sixth-round pick from USC last year, can play inside and outside corner and gives the Panthers more depth at a spot where they were a little thin. Seymour missed time during training camp with foot and shoulder injuries and struggled in coverage as a rookie. Clay becomes the latest ex-Panther to jump on the Charlotte-to-Buffalo train, following Bills head coach Sean McDermott, Beane, and several players. There were rumors and talks of safety TJ Ward came close to signing with Panthers but instead signed with the Buccaneers. Carolina Panthers begin their season in San Francisco to face off against the 49ers, I wrote a preview on here’s the link: https://carolinaflight.blogspot.com/2017/09/carolina-panthers-at-san-francisco.html yes this is a shameful advertisement for my own blog which you are on right now. But some more news about the game has come out, quarterback Cam Newton (shoulder) questionable but did practice all week, defensive tackle Vernon Butler (knee) doubtful. Graham Gano will handle kicking duties for the season opener after having a kicking battle with rookie Harrison Butker. Finally, Panthers announced this year captains, who are Cam Newton, Greg Olsen, Ryan Kalil, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, and Kurt Coleman (his first time as a Panther).

            That’s all the news from the past week for the Panthers and Hornets! Make sure to check back here after Panthers game Sunday for a recap and my initial thoughts of the game. Hopefully, the Panthers can get the win and start the season off on the good note!

No comments:

Post a Comment