May 31 2006
Dan Henning braces himself
According to Clark Judge, Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Dan Henning is fully expecting Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson to blow up at him next season. In fact, it almost seems like he’s looking forward to it, like the world just wouldn’t be right if those two weren’t cursing at him on the sideline phone. Said Henning…
There are going to be some blowups on occasion, and most of the time they’re going to explode at me. That goes on with everybody. But I’d rather do it with guys who can get the job done…
First of all, there are not enough balls for Steve Smith. He’s never happy, but that’s just the way it goes. Now, I know Keyshawn and what he expects, and he’s never happy, either.
But the point is: They’re what we need, and it’s better to have something when you need it — sort of like having an umbrella if you get caught in the rain. It’s what you need.
Henning may need another umbrella for himself when Smith and Johnson start raining down on him. I should take a poll on how soon the Panthers will get labeled “Team Turmoil” because of those inevitable shouting sprees. My vote is for President’s Day. Anyone else?
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I think a lot of these Keyshaun/Steve nay-sayers are crazy. What Henning is saying is that he is excited that he will have not one but two guys who will both be energetic to get the ball but will also CATCH it and move the marker.
If they aren’t yelling for the ball then they must not want it. And who wants a receiver who doesn’t want the ball? If you can point to any one receiver who doesn’t want the ball then you are pointing to a under productive team liability.
I hope that compitition brews between Steve and Keyshaun. It will make them better comptetitors and will elevate the now balanced panthers straight to the Super Bowl.