Panthers Training Camp Wrapup - August 3

[Jeremy Igo]

As the heat returned to Spartanburg, the Panthers had a less intense practice out of their pads. They have a grueling week ahead ending in their first preseason game. A little rest was needed to prepare.

Still, some interesting things happened worth noting.

The day started with Deangelo picking on Greg Hardy a bit. I am not sure is he was trying to get Hardy to laugh or smile or what was going on. I do know that most of the gang was enjoying it, including Rivera. Deangelo jokes around frequently with his team. He used to be one of the top autograph signers in all of camp. This year, however, I have not seen him sign a single one. Luke and Cam have taken over the title of fan friendliest Panthers players, and that seems just fine to the adoring public.

After some good natured ribbing Deangelo got the reluctant hug from the Kraken he was asking for.

Jonathan Stewart was able to perform in warm up. Stewart has rarely been seen doing anything active at training camp. I don't expect to see him in the first couple preseason games. The good news is he should be well rested for the start of the season.

Third year man Anderson Russell had a good day today. His name was heard more than once as performing well. Actually, he is called A R by the coaching staff. Russell has had an injury plagued career and would like to get it moving in the right direction again.

Once again, Marcus Lucas had a nice day as well. He hauled in a few really nice catches in stride. Lucas, at 6'4, is another large target for Cam Newton. If Lucas can carry the momentum in camp into the preseason he may bypass the practice squad and make the active roster.

Panthers fans everywhere are envisioning a Benjamin/Lucas lineup. I'm not sure that combination can be overthrown.

This was the busiest day in the conditioning area of the entire camp. Lots of folks taking the day to heal in preparation for the week ahead.

Charles Johnson did not practice today due to injury. I doubt we see him back before the third preseason game. Johnson, a seasoned veteran, doesn't need the reps. Kony Ealy does, however. Having Johnson out may be a win-win for the entire team. Johnson gets his rest, Ealy gains experience.

There was a heavy emphasis on special teams today.

Assistant special teams coach Bruce Dehaven, a 28 year coaching veteran, was not happy with the effort early. "If you are going to run at that pace, don't plan on making the team" was yelled, putting the players on notice that today was looking far too relaxed.

For many of the players, special teams is their best shot at making the roster. If a player can increase his value by playing well on special teams, he can move ahead of his peers who cannot say the same.

One of these players is Philly Brown

Brown is a long shot of making the roster based solely on his wide receiver performance. Out of the undrafted receivers, Marcus Lucas has looked like the better man. However, Lucas is not returning punts like Philly Brown. If Brown can prove to be a solid punt return man throughout preseason, he still just may get a locker.

Bene Benwikere was also returning punts today.

Bene has a roster spot, that much is certain. However, if he can prove to also be a good return option he may free up a roster spot for the coaches to keep another player. All of these decisions are interconnected and fluid. Anyone who has ever seen the tv show "Hard Knocks" has seen the grueling process of moving the names around the board, trying to get to the best 53.

Antoine Cason still looks like the best option at punt return overall. The bad news is this risks injury to the Panthers top corner.

The team drills started with Cam taking control of the huddle, as he has grown better at. Taking a knee during the huddle insures everyone can hear the play call and also shields the quarterbacks face from the defense who may be reading lips.

Deangelo Williams looked good today with the first team. He typically will cover the ball up if any contact is thought to be coming. Williams had a few fumbles last year due to lack of ball protection, the last minute Seahawks game being the most memorable, and costly one.

A lot of people have asked me about undrafted rookie Darren Reaves.

Reaves has looked decent all camp, except for the occasional dropped pass (one again today). The problem is we really will not be able to see what he can really do until preseason. To help avoid injury, there is very little actual tackling at training camp. Since so much of a runningback's worth is shown after contact is made, accurately assessing an unknown is not possible. Reaves will have plenty of carries to prove his worth starting Friday night. He needs to take advantage of the extra snaps provided by the sidelined Jonathan Stewart.

Nate Chandler once again split time at the tackle positions. Coach Rivera has said it will be until the after second preseason game before a decision is made on where they will end up. A week later, roster cuts start to happen. Don't be shocked if the Panthers sign another offensive tackle before the start of the season.

The awkward play of the day award goes to Byndom, who got a little too excited while covering Pilares. I am fairly certain a flag would have been thrown here.

Rivera has not ruled out keeping three quarterbacks on the roster this season. This is great news for Joe Webb who is looking to stick around. Webb could provide interesting play design possibilities with his ability to run, catch, and throw.

Kelvin Benjamin continues to look like a veteran receiver in camp. He is my number one player to watch in preseason this year. I am excited to see how he will react when NFL corners welcome him to the league.

Cam took some time today to pose for the hill full of fans, much to their delight.

Sean McDermott played the role of the QB today as defensive unit drills were happening. McDermott probably does not get enough credit for how well the defense has developed. He is a crucial piece of the coaching puzzle.

After practice I was reminded of just how tall Kelvin Benjamin is when he went to great Derek Anderson. Anderson, at 6'6, is one of the tallest QBs in the league.

There is no practice scheduled for Monday. I will be back there on Tuesday to document the action once again.

[nctarheel0619]

Hey Jeremy, could you tell how bad CJ's hammy is tweaked was he walking gingerly? Or anything?

Sent from my iPhone using CarolinaHuddle

[rscott94]

Great work as usual

[lola]

Another practice, another outstanding job, J. Thanks so much.

I love the look on Kelvin's face in that picture. Such concentration and determination.

Sent from my iPhone using CarolinaHuddle

[Chief Keek]

Good writeup Zo-ummm Jeremy, can't wait until Friday when these young guys get put in the line of fire and see how they react.

[Jeremy Igo]

Hey Jeremy, could you tell how bad CJ's hammy is tweak was he walking gingerly? Or anything?

Sent from my iPhone using CarolinaHuddle

Yes, noticeable discomfort when walking. Don't expect him back for a while. Not worth the risk.

Sent from my SM-N900P using CarolinaHuddle mobile app

[nctarheel0619]

Yes, noticeable discomfort when walking. Don't expect him back for a while. Not worth the risk.

Sent from my SM-N900P using CarolinaHuddle mobile app

Agreed. Good stuff. I appreciate you.

Sent from my iPhone using CarolinaHuddle

[jasonluckydog]

Great write up look forward to preseason!!!

 

 

btw didn't know you had such high opinion on Derek Anderson the Great!

[PanthersAlv]

Another outstanding job Jeremy. Thanks!

 

It seems like KB is catching pretty much anything in his area of reach... but when you look at him against the CB's, how is his "speed"? Seems like a lot of people have downed KB for not being able to catch (which seems to be more a issue maybe in games? We will see) and his Speed not being up to par.

 

Can you give any insight on that?

[jayflip]

When I grow up I want to be a Jeremy Igo

Sent from my πPhone using the app to end all apps.

[t96]

Thanks a lot as always, sir. 

[FootballMaestro]

Another outstanding job Jeremy. Thanks!

 

It seems like KB is catching pretty much anything in his area of reach... but when you look at him against the CB's, how is his "speed"? Seems like a lot of people have downed KB for not being able to catch (which seems to be more a issue maybe in games? We will see) and his Speed not being up to par.

 

Can you give any insight on that?

 

Really!!?? :startle:

 

So now we're going to take a few insignificant drops at Florida State, and say Benjamin had/has a problem?

 

Wow! Remember, they have to point out something as a criticism. They're not going to say a guy has no weaknesses.

 

Benjamin is reported to not explode off the line. However, he has very good speed as he builds up momentum. Plus, he's very tall (with long arms and big soft hands) and agile, which helps immeasurably.

 

But I'll wait for Zod/Jeremy. :)

 

You can wait for the preseason game next week, and the real ones after. :cool:

[Red Zone]

Thanks again for the awesome work Jeremy.

[RelaxImaPro]

great Derek Anderson

 

KB should consider himself blessed to be in the presence and exchanging fives with the great Derek Anderson.

 

Lol, but seriously great job as always.  I also second the other question on how KB's speed has looked overall out there on the field.