Sir Purr
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- Mar 16, 2019
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While a number of national media outlets don’t have high expectations for Carolina based on last season’s finish and questions about Cam Newton’s health, Jones-Drew is bullish on the Panthers. Especially considering the weapons that now surround Newton on offense.
“This is one of the deepest receiving groups they’ve had in a while,” Jones-Drew said before practice on Sunday. “You have some real, good solid receivers and that’s important. They’ve gone with a smaller and quicker group right now that allows Cam to get the ball out quick. This offense has the potential to be something special.”
Curtis Samuel has been one of the stars of training camp after he finished last season strong. In the last 10 games of 2018, Samuel had 571 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns.
“He’s a lot like Tyreek Hill in a lot of ways,” said Jones-Drew. “You can hand him the ball, throw him the ball, he can run different routes. I felt like last year he showed his playmaking ability. I know this year that he worked on his routes in the offseason to become a more polished receiver. I think that’s what you’re seeing now. That’s important. DJ Moore is going to need to make some plays too, but it’s for Curtis to step up and go.”
Earlier this summer, Jones-Drew ranked Christian McCaffrey as his fifth-best running back in the NFL. Heading into 2019, he maintains that McCaffrey has the ability to be an every-down back and workhorse for an offense.