CHARLOTTE, NC (WCCB Charlotte) — Devin Funchess has been the MVP of the Panthers off-season.
Ron Rivera made the bold statement in OTAs that his second year wide-receiver is ‘light-years’ ahead of where he was last year. Funchess says he’s feeling more comfortable with his team with a year under his belt.
“I do know the playbook,” Funchess said. “I’m expected to come in more knowledgeable and play faster.
Funchess’ rookie campaign got off to a rocky start last year. The Panthers 2015 second round pick missed a portion of training camp with an injury which led to him falling behind. In Devin Funchess’ first seven games he had just seven receptions and no touchdowns.
Then the 6’4” wide-receiver became more part of the game-plan.
“I just want to be more of a factor than I was last year,” Funchess said. “Just make sure I make the play on the ball when it comes to me.”
Funchess ended the season with 31-receptions for 473 yards and five touchdowns. His best game was the regular-season finale against Tampa Bay in which he reeled in 7 catches on 8-targets for 120 yards with a touchdown.
The Panthers mandatory mini-camp wraps up on Thursday.
