Max Henson's Ten Takeaways From Training Camp

[top dawg]

It is always nice to get more perspectives from those who attended training camp, because it provides more clarity.  Max Henson's takeaways provide much of what we heard about the noticeable confidence and marked consistency of our rising playmakers, Devin Funchess and Shaq Thompson, the legitimate return of Kelvin Benjamin, and the calming effect caused by the play of our two new---and apparently uncharacteristically mature---rookies at corner, James Bradberry and Daryl Worley.  Henson does provide few words on the emerging boulder that is Trai Turner, whether just being a natural monolith nearly impossible to get around or a rolling rock that eats up defenders like an avalanche during the run.  Moreover, Henson remarks how the Panthers have benefited from the Vikings' and Chiefs' castaway in Kurt Coleman. But the two key takeaways that are perhaps most important, and representative of the Carolina Culture and why the team will not only be successful in 2016 but beyond, are short memories, continuity and trust.  

 

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2015 is firmly in the past: I asked general manager Dave Gettleman what his biggest takeaway from training camp was, and this was his response: "The biggest takeaway I have is we left 2015 behind. The guys did a great job, and it started with the OTAs. Ron (Rivera) delivered the message, and they’ve done a great job listening."

Throughout training camp, the Panthers showed no signs of a team resting on its laurels. Any concern about this group being too relaxed or complacent after a 15-1 season went out the window pretty quickly.

Practice was a competitive battleground each day. Quarterback Cam Newton and linebacker Thomas Davis kept the energy level high with their daily trash talk, and there was pride at stake during each team drill.

 

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Continuity and cohesiveness showed up in practice: The Panthers practiced like a team that’s been playing together for a while.

Offensively, the entire starting lineup returned from the 2015 season and as you’d expect, they were on the same page. Defensively, the large majority of the front seven returned.

As a result, pre-snap communication was excellent across the board. Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott always wants his players to talk prior to the snap, and the first-team unit needed no reminder. At times, it seemed like every member of the starting defense made their voice heard after laying eyes on the offensive formation.

 

Henson did end with a word of advice to those fans with short memories in another sense, which I will say in another way: "Don't forget about Charles!"  With some of the comments I have seen in the Huddle, people already have forgotten and think that Johnson is either "done" or of little consequence. I, for one, am not in that number. A motivated CJ is a force to be reckoned with, and the league's Day of Reckoning is coming, not only because of CJ, but for all of Henson's and others' thoughts on this year's training camp.

 

http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Ten-Training-Camp-Takeaways/c8f17416-4f25-48a3-a23d-b6cba5adc37c

[Jeremy Igo]

I keep telling max he needs to do a weekly offensive line feature and call it Max Protect.

Hasn't happened yet.

Sent from my SM-G935P using CarolinaHuddle mobile app

[Bj-Monster23]

31 minutes ago, Promethean Forerunner said:

Remember how much flak the Funchess (supporter since he announced for the draft) and Shaq (guilty) picks got not only by us but by the media???? Now they may both end up being Pro Bowlers/All-Pros this season.

Now watch Bradberry and Butler be those guys that we'll be foaming at the mouth about their potential and impact next training camp.

Any draft that you can come away with 2 to 3 solid picks is a great draft in my opinion. Gettleman is a true talent evaluator. Will Gettleman running the show and Ron Rivera as coach this team will continue to grow and get better. The Panthers will be competitive for a long time.

[MV%doe]

2 hours ago, Jeremy Igo said:

I keep telling max he needs to do a weekly offensive line feature and call it Max Protect.

Hasn't happened yet.

Sent from my SM-G935P using CarolinaHuddle mobile app
 

 

I'd watch that only if max would be in full nfl uniform...... and the helmet be 2x too big.....and Libby does a weather segment.......with random cuts to Mick in the dunk tank with Mike&brian throwing balls...and a weekly awkward contest between Eugene and kevin that is 30 seconds of silence with extreme close-ups....then maybe I'll DVR it.....

[The Lobo]

I think it's crucial that CJ is healthy and back. I have a feeling he will be a force this year.

[The_Rainmaker]

2 hours ago, MV%doe said:

I'd watch that only if max would be in full nfl uniform...... and the helmet be 2x too big.....and Libby does a weather segment.......with random cuts to Mick in the dunk tank with Mike&brian throwing balls...and a weekly awkward contest between Eugene and kevin that is 30 seconds of silence with extreme close-ups....then maybe I'll DVR it.....

This must be Max Henson's undercover profile 

[pantherclaw]

I've haven't forgotten about Chuck. I expect a good year out of him.

[SIGCHI222]

Max has went from being a deer in the headlights joke to a quite a respectable reporter in the last 3 or 4 years.  Good for him.