The Carolina Panthers are looking to bounce back after two disappointing defeats to start the season. There is plenty of blame to go around, but one player who has drawn the ire of fans is second-year wide receiver Xavier Legette.
Legette has had an underwhelming start to the season following a rookie campaign that failed to live up to his first-round expectations. Through two games, Legette has just four receptions and eight receiving yards.
However, now a legendary Panthers wide receiver, Steve Smith, is coming to Legette’s defense. Smith is the most accomplished wide receiver in the history of the franchise and holds the team’s records in career catches, yards, and touchdowns. Legette has been the subject of intense scrutiny by Panthers fans, and Smith objects to that notion.
Steve Smith Criticizes Legette Backlash
The Panthers are 0-2, and their fans are growing increasingly frustrated with former first-round pick Xavier Legette. Panthers legend Steve Smith thinks the criticism of Legette is too much right now.
Smith did his weekly appearance on WFNZ’s “The Kyle Bailey Show” on Monday to discuss Legette and the Panthers. Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire transcribed the conversation.
“That’s what this city does well, is [expletive] and complain,” Smith stated. “When we went to the Super Bowl in 2003, I never forgot how people treated us my rookie year when we was 1-15. Now I know some people aren’t gonna like to hear this—but if you’re gonna ride and die with your team, ride or die. That’s the probably the problem with this weak [expletive] city, is the fair-weather fans.”
Smith continued his strong comments, highlighting that fans don’t understand what it takes to go out and play.
“And I said that that way because I’ve been in this city for 25 years now. And I’ve heard complaining about everything, no matter what the case is,” Smith said. “These young men, including myself, just like young women, nobody’s perfect. But when you ain’t never did it—beyond elementary, high school . . . and then, yes, you buy a ticket, yes, you earn your way and right to give your criticism. But don’t poop on the guy as if he’s not out there trying to do his best.”
While fans are losing faith in Legette, the same can not be said for the team.
Dave Canales Believes in Xavier Legette
The criticism of Xavier Legette after his poor start has been loud and intense, but the Panthers aren’t turning their backs on him.
Darin Gantt and Kassidy Hill, of Panthers.com, wrote about in their September 15 article how head coach Dave Canales still believes in Legette.
“I believe in Xavier,” Canales replied when asked if he considered benching him. “This is a guy that I truly believe because of the way he’s wired, the way that he works. The way that he continues to train. He had a great week of practice; he played better. He had some opportunities on the field where the ball didn’t go his way. I tried to get him a few early touches. They didn’t amount to much, but as the game kind of went on, a few of the other targets, they were close plays. He didn’t make them, but I think it’s a matter of just finding opportunities.”
Canales also believes that Legette will continue to develop chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young because of his work ethic and approach.
“I believe in him. I believe that he’s approached this the right way and just continues to work,” Canales continued. “So I’m going to continue to encourage him and be in his corner and push him to keep striving for that, and keep working on his chemistry with Bryce, because he’s got the talent. I think at times he can be hard on himself, and he can be really critical of himself, and I wanted to make sure that he knows he’s supported, that we’ve got to play ball, let’s go. And there’s that balance of pushing him, and there’s that balance of also saying, you got this, remember who you are.”
Legette will have his next chance to validate Steve Smith and Canales’ faith in him this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.
Legendary Panthers WR Calls Out Fans for Xavier Legette Criticism