OTAs Coverage

[t96]

There's not much, but as Voth posted on BBR, the Panthers.com media wasn't as restricted as Voth and Igo and other media yesterday, so they gave us some quotes and video...

http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/OTAs-underway/a98040f3-56dc-4f45-90e6-6c54cd6a2f7a

When the first day of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) concluded, a laughing Mike Tolbert  walked off the practice field with his jersey in one hand and his helmet in another.

Under the jersey, the fullback was sporting a "Panthers Run the South" T-shirt, which was distributed last season after Carolina claimed the division title for a second consecutive year.

"We don't even think about it. This shirt was in my locker, and I needed a shirt under my jersey," Tolbert said with a wry smile. "We want to win and just keep getting better. If you do that, things like (a division title) take care of itself."

"This is my fourth season here, and this is by far the best start to OTAs we've had," Tolbert said. "Everybody is excited. The offense is looking crisp. Defense was flying around as usual. It's fun right now."

 

 "Everybody was having fun today – that was the biggest thing," Norman said. "It starts in OTAs, and this was our first day in helmets. Guys were out there flying around."

"To get out here and go one-on-one and compete against each other was a great feeling," Norman said. "It's a job for us but it's something I love to do. We have a lot of people like that on this team."

 

Great to see Cam healthy and participating, which he was unable to do last year because of the ankle surgery. It really can't be said enough how big it is to have him back healthy for the entire offseason and to actually have receivers he's familiar with. Can't wait to see him work with the Funch and speed-demon Byrd, as well as getting in more reps with KB and Philly.  At about :37 in the video in the link we get to see the old Cam-Ginn connection, and it is truly beautiful. I don't know how it's possible but Andrew Norwell looks even bigger and even meaner than he did last year. And you can get a glimpse of Philly's added weight on 2 passes. 

 

 

 

 

It's not a whole lot, but it's atleast something while we wait it out until TC.

[KillerKat]

I love Tolbert's new helmet. Looks like a mean MF.

[Jeremy Igo]

I'll be out there tomorrow for the usual photos and observations

[t96]

I'll be out there tomorrow for the usual photos and observations

​It's too bad neither Shaq or Funch will be there, and I think KB's out too. Get some good shots of Philly pretty please with cherries on top. Look forward to it J.

[dpanther69]

What happen to Funch ?

[Jeremy Igo]

He is attending the nflpa rookie thing in LA

[captfluoro]

 

He is attending the nflpa rookie thing in LA

​Are all rookies at this or just Funch?  Would like to know how Williams looks on the O-line.

[t96]

 

​Are all rookies at this or just Funch?  Would like to know how Williams looks on the O-line.

​Of ours, just Funch. But a lot of other notable rookies around the league are going, like Gurley, Kevin White, etc.

[Mr. Burgundy]

Why in the world would they hold that rookie meeting when most teams are starting OTAs?

[X-Clown on 1]

Hopefully no injuries to report?

[caatfan]

 this is by far the best start to OTAs we've had," Tolbert said. 

 If emoticons were available I'd put a big smiley face here. If key players can stay healthy I think this year's version of the Panthers is a winner.

[LinvilleGorge]

Why in the world would they hold that rookie meeting when most teams are starting OTAs?

​This.  Idiotic timing by the NFLPA.

[Jeremy Igo]

Why in the world would they hold that rookie meeting when most teams are starting OTAs?

​Excellent question. 

[t96]

Here's info about it:

https://www.nflpa.com/news/all-news/2015-nflpa-rookie-premiere-to-be-held-this-week-in-los-angeles

 

Nothing really indicating a reason why they chose May 28-31, but I'd guess it's better to have it now than during rookie mini-camp or training camp. I really don't know though and it is a good question. Seems like it was the "business partners'" choice of date, but who knows... It's really not that big of a deal to be honest.