Carolina Panthers

Rush Review: Training Camp Day #12

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#1. The team practiced today in just their shells (helmet and shorts). The heat index on the field peaked at 115 degrees. The water breaks were more frequent today.

#2. These players did not practice today: TE Ian Thomas (rib contusion), CB Kevon Seymour (hamstring), RB Jordan Scarlett (back) and C Tyler Larsen (unknown). These players returned to practice from injury: K Graham Gano (sore leg) and LB Luke Kuechly (head precaution). Today was the first practice for newly signed C John Yarbrough who is wearing #64.

#3. The following players got first team reps on defense: CB Corn Elder at small nickel CB, S Ross Cockrell at free safety and DB Rashaan Gaulden at big nickel CB. The following players got reps as returners: RB Cameron Artis-Payne, WR Terry Godwin and WR Jaydon Mickens.

#4. During 1 on 1 individual drills for DL vs. OL a few players stood out. LB/DE Bruce Irvin used his hands in various ways to disengage from his blockers. LB/DE Mario Addison displayed elite quickness with spin moves and push & pull techniques to win his battles. LB/DE Marquis Haynes really showed that his ability to get a really low bend underneath his blocker is something he can do consistently. C Matt Paradis and OT Daryl Williams appear to be getting into full strength as they more than held their own against NT Dontari Poe and DT Kawann Short in consecutive reps. LG Greg Van Roten made it difficult for DT Gerald McCoy to get past him on multiple attempts.

#5. During 11 on 11 team drills the defense mostly dominated all the periods. CB Donte Jackson got a timely pass deflection on a ball intended for WR Torrey Smith from a pass from QB Cam Newton. CB James Bradberry made a great leap to knock the ball away from WR Curtis Samuel on a Newton pass. Cockrell almost had an interception on a deep pass for WR DJ Moore that was thrown by Newton.  CB Lorenzo Doss almost intercepted a ball thrown to Godwin on a pass from QB Will Grier. Elder made a great pass deflection on a ball thrown to TE Olsen from a pass by QB Kyle Allen. The offense made only a couple nice plays. Samuel caught a deep pass from Newton on the right sideline while being covered by Jackson. WR Hogan made three exciting catches on passes from Grier and Allen. RB Christian McCaffrey continues to run quick and fast between the tackles while making several defenders miss. RB Reggie Bonnafon was able to get several reps with the 1st team offense. He broke off two nice runs of at least 10 yards and made about 3 nice catches too.

#6. DT Kawann Short left practice early after getting kicked in his left shin. Head coach Rivera said it was more precaution than anything to be concerned about. S Damian Parms also left early with right leg pain. RG Trai Turner left practice for about 30 minutes but came back and finished up. The team will practice in full pads for the last three practices this week. Monday will be the last day to practice before the Buffalo Bills come for joint practices on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.  Cockrell is making plays at FS throughout the last several practices. S Tre Boston is still working with the second team defense.

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Game Preview: Preseason Game #1 @ Chicago Bears

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New faces on defense: 

  • Defensive Coordinator: Chuck Pagano replaced Vic Fangio
  • Safety: Ha-Ha Clinton Dix replaced Adrian Amos
  • The defense is returning 10 out of 11 starters still featured in their 3-4 philosophy.

New coach, same scheme. The Carolina Panthers have seen plenty looks of this defense in practice. Seeing it executed from different players will be a great challenge for the Norv Turner designed Panthers offense. The Bears featured the league’s number one defense in 2018, so we should have a series or two to get a proper gauge as to where the Panthers are offensively.

Key Players on defense: Although edge rusher Khalil Mack is the best player on defense, the emotional leader is veteran inside linebacker Danny Trevathan. He heads an impressive inside linebacker core with 2018 1st round draft pick Roquan Smith playing alongside him. Featured behind them are a plethora of playmaking studs: Two first team All Pros and 1 second team All Pro defensive backs, safety Eddie Jackson (1st team), corner Kyle Fuller (1st team), and safety Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix (2nd team).

Other key contributors are productive veterans in defensive tackle Akeem Hicks (1 Pro Bowl), defensive tackle Bilal Nichols, edge rusher Leonard Floyd and corner Prince Amukamara.

The Return of The Monsters of the Midway: This unit has established playmakers on all three levels and continuity with 10 starters returning. It’s very easy to see why this was the league’s top unit last season.

New coordinator Chuck Pagano put an emphasis on forcing turnovers and its been said that the unit has 10+ interceptions and an astronomical amount of fumbles forced in camp thus far. This will be the biggest test for the Panthers offense not just this pre-season, but possibly all year. For the Panthers to have success this season offensively, this is a great way to start the test.

-4MR Larry

Breakout Candidate: Ian Thomas

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There have been 11 days of training camp in Spartanburg, and there’s plenty of storylines. There’s also plenty to be hopeful for. Cam’s shoulder is looking good, rookie Brian Burns has flashed a ton of ability and there seems to be a lot of guys stepping up and making plays on both sides of the ball. Everyone that covers the Panthers has mentioned wideout, Curtis Samuel, as a breakout star in camp, and rightfully so. The guy has had his first healthy offseason and has taken his play to another level. Things are looking up for Samuel, as he seems to be making a case to be Carolina’s number one receiver. However, there’s another pass catcher that has quietly had a really good training camp so far.

Ian Thomas has had a phenomenal two weeks of camp. Judging by the plays he’s made, Thomas could be an integral part in the Panthers’ offense and have a breakout season. He’s been catching virtually everything thrown his way, no matter who throws it. During 11 on 11 drills, he has dominated the red zone. It looks as though he has improved his route running, which has helped him gain more separation. This will bode well for Carolina, and Cam Newton. It also appears as if he’s improved on his blocking, which is good for Carolina’s offense.

Thomas, a 2018 4th round pick, showed flashes last season in Greg Olsen’s absence. He had 36 catches for 333 yards and 2 touchdowns. That’s not great stats, but he was a rookie. The fact that Cam wasn’t healthy during the second half of the season, should also be taken into account. Ian has loads of potential and has worked extremely hard this spring. He has been praised for his hard work ethic and even worked extra with Cam, and other offensive weapons, in San Diego this offseason. So, he should have a really good rapport with Newton.

Also working in Thomas’ favor, is having Norv Turner as an offensive coordinator. Norv has used a lot of two right end sets, (Mainly in San Diego with Gates and McMichael or Manumaleuna) but he hasn’t had a dynamic TE2 like Thomas. Even so, Norv has a knack for getting his dynamic playmakers the ball, and Thomas should thrive in year two of Turner’s offense.

Even if Greg Olsen gets hurt again, Cam has enough weapons to take the pressure off of Thomas. Carolina has so many dynamic playmakers on this offense, that it’s scary. Ian Thomas is no different. He’s a guy that fans should feel really good about going into this season. Panther Nation should get a good look at Thomas in the preseason, and see how well he dominates the red zone.

By: Norris Thornburg August 8, 2019

Rush Review: Training Camp Day #11

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#1. Vet day off for the following players: RB Christian McCaffrey, TE Greg Olsen, C Matt Paradis, DT Gerald McCoy, DT Kyle Love and LG Greg Van Roten. Players not practicing due to injury: RB Jordan Scarlett (took a shot to the head during Fan Fest). Players practicing after missing time with injury: LB Luke Kuechly (precaution reasons), LB/DE Brian Burns (left leg cramps) and DB Rashaan Gaulden (lower back tightness). Players returning to practice for personal reasons: LB/DE Marquis Haynes and DE Efe Obada.

#2. The players practiced in their shells (helmet & shorts) again today. This is the last practice before their 1st preseason game at Chicago on Thursday evening. Wednesday will be the team travel day. QB Cam Newton, LB Luke Kuechly, RB Jordan Scarlett and CB Kevon Seymour will not play at all.

#3. The following players got first team reps on offense: RB Cameron Artis-Payne, RB Reggie Bonnafon, TE Ian Thomas, OL Dennis Daley. These are the players that got first team reps on defense: DT Vernon Butler Jr., CB Javien Elliott and DB Rashaan Gaulden.

#4. The individual group periods that normally do the 1 on 1 battles were all about going over technique and preparing for the tendencies of the Chicago Bears. Defensive coordinator Eric Washington was coaching the DTs while Assistant Defensive Line Coach Sam Mills III coached up the DEs. Head coach Ron Rivera made his way around to each group to watch how the players were receiving the detailed instructions and teachings. Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner was speaking with the RBs and the TE groups.

#5. During team drills these were the plays that stood out: RB Artis-Payne made a very nice TD grab in the corner of the end zone from QB Taylor Heinicke pass. TE Thomas also had two TD catches during red zone drills from both QB Kyle Allen and QB Will Grier. WR Rashad Ross caught a deep pass along the sideline from QB Taylor Heinicke. RT Taylor Moton took a hit to his right knee and sat out the rest of the team drills. OT Daryl Williams moved over to play RT and LT Greg Little took over 1st team LT reps. FB Alex Armah broke off a very nice run right up the middle. TE Temarrick Hemingway caught a underthrown pass by Allen. WR DJ Moore made a huge leaping catch on a Newton pass. TE Jason Vander Laan was able to get wide open to catch a TD pass from Allen. TE Chris Manhertz also got a TD grab from Grier. Artis-Payne gets a TD run to go with his TD catch from earlier. The defense was able to make some stand out plays as well. CB Corn Elder intercepted a Newton pass for a Pick 6. S Tre Boston made a nice deflection on a pass meant for WR Terry Godwin that was thrown by Grier. CB Javien Elliott made back to back pass deflections that got Defensive Backs coach Perry Fewell fired up. Gaulden made a huge hit to dislodge the ball from Artis-Payne right at the line of scrimmage. LB/DE Brian Burns got free quickly to blow up a deep playaction pass by Heinicke who would have been sacked.

#6. Today’s practice gave the impression that the team expects to play well at Chicago. What matters the most is seeing consistent execution, all out effort and finish with no serious injuries. In a post practice press conference Rivera said that the hit to the right knee of Moton was no issue at all. He also said that Allen will start at QB on Thursday. His decision to sit out Newton and Kuechly is to see the younger players get plenty of reps. He looks forward to see how the team looks against an opponent.

Rush Review: Training Camp Day #10

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#1. Vet day off for the following players: WR Jarius Wright, DE/LB Mario Addison and LB/DE Bruce Irvin.  Players who sat out of practice due to injury: C Tyler Larsen, RB Jordan Scarlett, CB Kevon Seymour and DB Rashaan Gaulden. Excused from practice for personal reasons: LB/DE Marquis Haynes and DE Efe Obada.

#2. Players who got first team reps on defense: LB/DE Brian Burns (Edge), LB/DE Christian Miller(Edge), DB Ross Cockrell(Safety) and CB Javien Elliott(Nickel CB). Players who got first team reps on offense: LG Greg Van Roten(Center) and OL Dennis Daley(Left Guard). Daley mentioned that his job is to learn both guard and both tackle positions with the goal to develop into the ultimate “swingman” on the offensive line.

#3. Several military service members were invited onto the sidelines to watch practice today.  During a special teams period they met S Eric Reid. Reid came over to speak with them, shook hands and took several pictures together.

#4. During 1 on 1 DL vs. OL pass rush drills I was impressed with DTs Kyle Love and Vernon Butler Jr.  Both players showed amazing combination of strength, agility and quickness.  They showed the ability to quickly disengage their blocker. I was able to get a solid look at what LB/DE Christian Miller has in his arsenal. He shows plenty of strength and power with his bull rush moves. During 1 on 1 LB vs. RB pass rush drills it was simply back and forth between both position groups. RB Christian McCaffrey is showing much improved strength and effectiveness in neutralizing blitzing LBs. LB Shaq Thompson really is showing that he is can not be blocked when he blitzes. RB Elijah Holyfield has strong hands when he takes on a LB but needs to keep his feet moving. LB Andre Smith uses very good leverage to get underneath the pads of any RB but needs to work on taking quicker angles of pursuit.

#5. During 11 on 11 team drills these are the plays that stood out. CB James Bradberry made a spectacular INT on a pass from QB Cam Newton to WR DJ Moore. However the ball popped out as he hit the ground hard. CB Elliott got another INT off of a Newton pass intended for WR Chris Hogan. TE Greg Olsen tried to one hand grab a pass by Newton but it turned into a INT for CB Donte Jackson. DE Bryan Cox Jr. surprised QB Will Grier by dropping into coverage. Grier threw the ball directly to Cox but he could not hold onto the ball. CB Lorenzo Doss got an INT from a pass in the end zone by QB Kyle Allen. The offense had a few really good plays. Newton threw a TD pass to Olsen during red zone drills. Allen threw an incredible TD pass to WR Jaydon Mickens who was able to tip toe both feet at the very back of the end zone. WR Torrey Smith made one the best diving catches of camp by catching a TD pass from Allen.

#6. The overall analysis of today was that our defense is capable of being a Top 5 unit in 2019. This looks to be the fastest defense that Head Coach Ron Rivera has ever had on all three levels at defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs. However Rivera went off on the team at the end of practice due to a big pile of pushing and shoving on the very last play of team drills. Rookie LB/DE Brian Burns left the first segment of team drills with cramping in his left leg. He came back with it wrapped up and rejoined practice after sitting out an installment period. This is slowly shaping up to be a fun and exciting team to watch this fall.

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Rush Review: Training Camp Day #9

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#1. The Carolina Panthers practiced lighter today by wearing their “shells” which is just wearing a football helmet and shorts. NFL Network is also here doing live updates on the team. Reporting was Maurice Jones-Drew, Andrew Siciliano and Tiffany Blackmon.

#2. The following players sat out today’s practice due to injury concerns: DB Rashaan Gaulden (sore lower back), CB Kevon Seymour (hamstring) and RB Jordan Scarlett (head). Vet day off was granted to S Eric Reid and OL Tyler Larsen. DE Efe Obada was given a personal day off to handle affairs. RB coach Jake Peetz is back at practice after his wife gave birth to their son on Friday night.

#3. Here are the players who got first team reps today: LB Jermaine Carter Jr took the place of LB Luke Kuechly. CB Corn Elder took the place of CB Donte Jackson. S Colin Jones took the place of S Eric Reid. S Ross Cockrell took the place of DB Gaulden at S. LG Greg Van Roten took the place of OL Larsen at C on the second team. So OL Norman Price played second team reps at LG. CB Javien Elliott got first team reps at nickel CB.

#4. During 1 on 1 DL vs. OL drills, I was impressed with LB/DE Bruce Irvin using pure speed and low angles to beat RT Taylor Moton. I heard defensive coordinator Eric Washington scream out loud “Speed!” LB/DE Brian Burns, once again, is displaying how elite his get off timing is, along with taking the best angles low enough to beat his blocker. Today, it was fellow rookie and long time high school friend LT Greg Little who struggled keep Burns in check. I have noticed that Burns dominates Little during 1 on 1 drills, however in team drills Little does much better against him. C Matt Paradis and OT Daryl Williams finally did 1 on 1 pass rush drills today. Williams got lost on a spin move by DE/LB Mario Addison. Paradis got bull rushed quickly by NT Dontari Poe who has quietly had a very nice camp so far.  They did decent, but you can tell they need time to get up to expected levels of production.

#5. During 11 on 11 team drills, these were the plays that stood out to me as the defense had a strong day: CB James Bradberry made an excellent pass deflection on a ball thrown in the back of the end zone by QB Cam Newton to WR Curtis Samuel.  LB Carter Jr. made a big pass deflection in the end zone on a Newton pass to WR DJ Moore. S Tre Boston got his first pass deflection at Camp Wofford on a pass from QB Will Grier to WR DeAndrew White in the end zone. CB Elliott got an interception on a Grier pass to WR Andre Levrone. Later on Elliott got a pass deflection on a Newton pass to WR Jarius Wright. Now the offense did make some nice plays as well. TE Greg Olsen caught a wide open 25 yard pass from Newton. TE Ian Thomas also caught a nice intermediate pass from QB Kyle Allen. RB Christian McCaffrey had a strong day running between the tackles. It looks like he is hitting the holes faster than the defense can converge on him. RB Elijah Holyfield continues to improve as he displayed some nice cutting abilities to get free on a couple of decent runs.

#6. My impression overall from today is that the players are really focused on perfecting their individual crafts. Whenever a player rotated out, he would either seek coaching or seek advice from another player. One thing that has been constant throughout camp is plenty of communication between the players on both sides of the ball. It is definitely not quiet before the ball is snapped. Always nice seeing several players stay after practice to get extra work in as well. Not just rookie and long shot players, but starters and veterans.

 

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