Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Better not ask Barner to block in Philadelphia



One of the least impressive players ever since training camp started for the Panthers has been running back Kenjon Barner.

Supposedly very fast, Barner never broke enough tackles to show it. Undeniably undersized, Barner too often got overwhelmed in pass protection.

Simply put, the Panthers' sixth round pick in 2013 was about to get cut. Had to be. And so the Panthers shipped him off to Philadelphia Tuesday night, where he will be reunited with his old college coach at Oregon (Chip Kelly). All general manager Dave Gettleman got was a conditional seventh-round draft pick, which I'd assume means that Barner has to make the team for the Panthers to cash it.

But that's better than nothing. The Panthers have struggled finding another running back behind DeAngelo Williams, Mike Tolbert and the oft-injured Jonathan Stewart, but that guy may have emerged Sunday night in Fozzy Whittaker. Whittaker broke more tackles in one night than Barner has in two years. He's likely going to make this team, and Barner is going to get a fresh look in Philadelphia.

That's good for everyone. I just hope Kelly doesn't expect Barner to block much, or else Nick Foles is in trouble.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

What exactly is the point of this post? Just to kick a guy from behind on his way out the door?

Go to sleep Scott, you sound grumpy.

Gwane Martin said...

I think they did Barner a favor by trading him rather than cutting him. the Panthers offense works great when the running backs can block and also break tackles

Anonymous said...

Barner was a horrible blocker with bad hands. Fozzybear tore up the field and looked like a revelation. I'm glad he's getting a shot elsewhere - don't wish anyone ill, but Scott is right.

Anonymous said...

Pretty harsh on a guy that showed some really bright flashes in the past. By all accounts, he was a hard worker, showed up on time and kept his nose clean. He's fast and can get going if he has a line that can hold a crease. Just not sure the hate on the way out. Did he snub you for an interview?

Anonymous said...

Scott's still sore from all those Isner serves

Anonymous said...

Geez, really. Kenjon was really gracious in his twitter/instagram good-bye to the Panthers. Write what you want, but the negativity is not becoming.

Unknown said...

Ignore the haters Scott. This article was right on the money. Good job.

Anonymous said...

One of the least impressive journalist ever since training camp started for the Panthers has been CO's Scott Fowler.
How does that feel Scott?

Scott Fowler said...

Feels OK, actually.