If you had to pick an offensive MVP through two days of mandatory Carolina Panthers minicamp, you’d be hard-pressed not choosing Curtis Samuel.
The third-year receiver opened the week with a highlight reel touchdown on Tuesday, catching a pass between two defenders before dipping his shoulder and sprinting to the end zone.
On Wednesday, it was more of the same. Samuel saw reps on special teams — after Damiere Byrd’s offseason departure, the team is looking for its new return man. He also carried the ball, but again made his mark receiving. On one well-timed deep route, he raced past the secondary and into the end zone for a wide open touchdown. He also had a nice sideline grab, completely slowing his momentum to make the catch before turning upfield.
Samuel started getting regular work in Week 11. In his final seven games, he averaged 3.9 catches for 53 yards and 0.43 touchdowns, which equates to a 62-846-7 pace over a 16-game season. He basically matched the production of D.J. Moore in that span. We’re expecting low-end WR3 numbers from Samuel in 2019.