Panthers’ Colbert must step up in 2006

By Connor Byrne  |   Sunday, May 28, 2006  |  Comments( 2 )

Carolina Panthers
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After a promising rookie season in 2004, Carolina Panthers receiver Keary Colbert slumped badly in 2005, his sophomore season, which led many to wonder if he even deserved to be in the team's top four on the receiving depth chart. The former USC star, who is also a former second-round pick, needs to rebound next season in order for the Panthers' offense to reach its full potential.

In '04, Colbert emerged as one of the most reliable young wideouts in the NFL, catching 47 passes for 754 yards and five touchdowns. More impressive than those numbers was his terrific yards per catch average, 16.0. Not only did he prove his worth as a possession receiver, but he showed the ability to break free from opposing cornerbacks and accumulate big yardage. Subsequent to that performance, there was all kinds of hope for Colbert entering his second season, but it all came crashing down in '05.

To follow up his superb rookie season, Colbert's production was just about cut in half, as he caught just 25 passes for 282 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Colbert caught 22 less passes, gained nearly 500 less yards and saw his touchdown catches diminish by three. Along with that, the 24-year-old saw his yards per catch fall by nearly five yards, as it dipped to an uninspiring 11.3.

Now that the Panthers have lost one of their consistent over-the-middle receivers from last year, Ricky Proehl, it's imperative that Colbert regains his rookie form coming out of the slot. In order for quarterback Jake Delhomme to experience the kind of success he has in the past, it's key that he has a legitimate third receiver to throw to. Colbert was that guy two years ago and a committee of wideouts performed the task last year, but having one player catch 50 passes is much better than two or three individuals.

Since the Carolina Panthers signed proven veteran Keyshawn Johnson to solidify the starting receiving corps opposite All-Pro Steve Smith, they won't need a ton of production out of Colbert. Prior to the Johnson signing, there was talk that the 6-1, 200-pound Colbert might have had to step into the No. 2 position, but luckily for Carolina, that will not be taking place. If Colbert can catch over 40 passes and be a legitimate threat for opposing defenses to worry about, he'll be one of the better and more productive No. 3 receivers in football.

The Panthers' offense could be one of the best in the NFC next season, if Colbert can step out of his funk. If not, they might be staring at excruciating frustration in a division that includes a terrific Tampa Bay Buccaneers team, an Atlanta Falcons squad ready to rebound from '05 disappointment, and a much-improved New Orleans Saints roster.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

Get more Keary Colbert insights at Realfootball365.com
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