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For the last week at the Carolina Panthers training camp, running back Fozzy Whitaker had taken the majority of the second string snaps behind starter Jonathan Stewart. Today, it was rookie Cameron Artis-Payne that received the majority of the second string snaps. Payne was seen getting handoffs from Cam Newton in addition to receiving out of the backfield. Artis-Payne has been getting an increasing number of reps as camp has gone on. If this trend continues, he may take over the second string or "change-up" back position for good by the start of the season. Artis-Payne, like Fozzy Whitaker, is a good compliment to Jonathan Stewart. Both backs offer a shiftiness out of the backfield that could break for large gains on any run. On one particular run today, Artis-Payne was hit by second year corner Carrington Byndom. This type of contact is usually prohibited during non padded practice. Artis-Payne was not expecting it. After absorbing the hit and hanging on to the ball, Artis-Payne just looked back at the defender and smiled. A fragile running back he is not. Whether this is a permanent move or the coaches just wanting to get a closer look at Artis-Payne with the first string remains to be seen. However, a late round rookie getting plenty of first string reps is nothing to brush off as meaningless. Something is happening at the running back position and it is worth keeping your eyes on. View full article

Cameron Artis-Payne is getting more and more reps as the days go by in Panthers training camp. At this rate, he could conceivably take over the #2 running back position by the end of the preseason. Yesterday during press conferences, Mike Tolbert mentioned how patient Artis-Payne was in his running. Today, Cameron showed that he can be elusive as well. During team drills, linebacker Adarius Glanton appeared to have the upper hand in stopping Artis-Payne. But Glanton was unable to wrap-up... ... allowing the running back to gain several more yards before eventually being stopped. Tackling the runner is not really allowed in training camp (although it does happen sometimes). But during fully padded team drills, defensive players to wrap up the running backs and prevent them from gaining more yards. Cameron Artis-Payne has only improved since OTA practices in June. It makes you wonder, just how high is his ceiling? Stay tuned... View full article