The Carolina Panthers remain undefeated on the season and showing no signs of weaknesses after getting a last-minute win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 6. Sitting at the top of their division, the team is hopeful to keep the momentum going and could be getting several players back from injuries that could only help Cam Newton. With Devin Funchess looking to get on the field more, is a trade also in the works?
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers are willing to listen to calls regarding a trade of Vernon Davis. CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora followed that up by reporting the tight end would welcome a change of scenery as his playing time has decreased dramatically. According to Bleacher Report, the Carolina Panthers would be a great fit for Davis in the coming week before the trade deadline approaches. After losing Kelvin Benjamin for the season, the Panthers have been making do with what they have on the roster which is clearly working, but adding another threat like Davis would really ease the pressure. Davis would not cost the Panthers much considering his age and expiring contract while giving them one more weapon to help remain undefeated.
For now, the Panthers are making things work with Greg Olsen and Devin Funchess in the receiving unit. However, the rookie receiver has been struggling. His numbers are certainly not that of a player that was expected to emerge as the No.1 target with Benjamin out. Funchess has five catches for 62 yards and several drops. Funchess stressed he is trying to get passed the mistakes.
"I was just trying to do too much with the other ones," Funchess said, via the Charlotte Observer. "I just calmed myself down on the sidelines and just played my game. It was about just trying to make the play and just go with it and get as much as I can possible getting YAC. I'm all about YAC so I want to do that, but I've got to catch the ball first."
The Panthers are preparing for a tough matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The team has been benefitting from a solid run game with Jonathan Stewart while Newton has been suffering from interceptions. The Eagles secondary will make things hard for players like Funchess who is suffering from mistakes right now. Players like Stewart could be critical in the game in order to keep the Panthers' momentum going forward.
"His ability to run the ball, and then you tie it in with Cam's ability to, 'OK, is it going to be him or Cam keeping it?' ... if that defense can hesitate just a little bit, a guy who runs like Stew does has a little more of an advantage," offensive coordinator Mike Shula said, via ESPN.com.