09-04-2007, 01:12 PM
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Both of them
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Quiet Colbert playing it cool
Charlotte Observer | 09/01/2007 | Quiet Colbert playing it cool
Quote:
Keary Colbert holds his emotions close.
Things can be going well for him, as they are now, or not so well, as they did through much of the past two seasons, and you would be hard-pressed to tell the difference.
His rookie season of 2004 saw Colbert, a Carolina Panthers receiver, make 47 catches. He seemed on his way to a fine career. Injuries slowed him the following year, though, and his receptions dropped to 23. He regained his health and prepared to make amends in 2006.
It didn't happen. Colbert was ineffective, finished with just five catches and was inactive for four of the final six games.
Then the Panthers drafted a big wide receiver in 6-foot-4 Dwayne Jarrett, and it appeared that Colbert, at 6-1, might slip out of the mix at the position.
Instead, he played remarkably well during the preseason. Now, with the start of the season waiting Sept. 9 in St. Louis, he has a solid chance to start.
Talking to Colbert after Carolina's loss to Pittsburgh on Thursday at Bank of America Stadium, it was hard to break through that low-key demeanor. He had added two catches to his preseason totals (four receptions, 93 yards, one touchdown).
"It's just another year," he said, speaking softly and evenly. "I mean, another opportunity. I'm the same guy, the same team; you know what I'm saying. It's just another year."
He was asked if drafting Jarrett had added to his determination to prove himself again.
"No, not really; not at all, actually," he said, relaxed and comfortable. "I'm driven and self-motivated; I want to do things regardless of situations or people or circumstances."
Last season popped up again, and Colbert smiled slightly.
"It just wasn't a great year from a personal statistical standpoint, for whatever reason," he said.
All Pro receiver Steve Smith has watched his teammate go from standing on the sidelines late last season to forcing himself back into contention for a starting role this season.
"He's stepped it up and he's doing a great job," Smith said. "... He came back this year and he just put it all together. It's outstanding.
"There's a big difference (from last season). He's just being himself; he's taking an opportunity and he's seizing it."
If there was a problem that contributed to Colbert's difficulties last season, he's not saying. But he was healthy and not producing, and that brought a lot of criticism.
"I try not to buy into anything I read or hear, because it's not always good anyway," he said, that hint of a smile reappearing. "It is what it is. I'm just trying to work.
"I'm having fun playing football. I'm always excited playing. ... That's the good thing about each new season. It's a new opportunity to do new things or great things or better things.
"Hopefully I'll have more fun than last year."
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Quiet Colbert playing it cool
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