Panthers, 49ers tweak passing game

The Carolina Panthers enter another season surrounded by uncertainty because they continue trying to find playmakers to complement Steve Smith. 

They brought back Mushin Muhammad after a respite in Chicago.  They also added former Seahawk enigma D.J. Hackett. 

Can they emerge as solid complementary options to boost the Carolina passing game? 

Muhammad provides a lot of experience and can out-muscle defenders over the middle, but showed signs of aging last season and won’t scare too many defenders. 

On the other hand, Hackett could be the playmaker the Panthers need to take pressure off Smith.  Hackett has the size and natural skills to make a lot of clutch grabs – especially in the red zone.  But Hackett has been unable to take his career to the next level as a consistent number two receiver due to injuries.  He’s had a track record of hamstring problems and missed several weeks last season with a high ankle sprain.  A few coaches questioned his toughness to play through injuries in the past. 

The Panthers hope a change of scenery helps Hackett develop into a solid option behind Smith.

These signings also mark the lack of confidence the organization has with Dwayne Jarrett.  Jarrett must display more maturity in his second season as he faces the bust label.  He struggles to separate from tight coverage and had problems learning how to read coverages at the pro level. 

In San Francisco, Mike Martz was brought in to add some much needed energy and restore order on the offensive side of the ball.  The 49ers have attempted to add some short-term stability in the passing game with the recent signings of Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson. 

The 49ers might have had the worst collect of receivers in the league last season.  Bruce is past his best days as hamstring problems have re-appeared from his early days.  While the 49ers shouldn’t count on Bruce for a full 16 games at this stage of his career, he’ll provide some stability and experience with his familiarity of Martz’s offense. 

Johnson has an opportunity to establish himself as a solid number two type after being overshadowed in Arizona behind Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.  Johnson has adequate size and speed.  He has shown the ability to get downfield and his hands have improved over the past year.  Now he must prove he can be consistent enough to grade as a consistent starter. 

The 49ers also hope Jason Hill overcomes injuries as a rookie to become a solid contributor next season.  Hill intrigues the 49ers with his blend of size and physical skills. 

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