Has the NFL/Panthers gone soft?

[micnificent28]

http://carolinagrowl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=947:column-at-panthers-training-camp-my-how-the-times-they-are-a-changin&catid=1:articles

Written by Steve Reed

Sunday, July 31, 2011 3:23 pm

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – This is the 17th summer I’ve spent here at Wofford College covering the Carolina Panthers training camp, and I can tell you it’s unlike any other I’ve seen.

My, how times have changed.

Two days into camp and I’ve yet to spot a player in shoulder pads. They’re not allowed.

I’ve yet to see defensive end Charles Johnson and linebacker Jon Beason get to work on earning their enormous contracts. They’re not allowed.

I’ve yet to see a true two-a-day practice. They’re not allowed either.

It makes you wonder, is this really training camp or a watered down OTAs?

The Panthers have been in helmets a couple of times, but they’ve also practiced exclusively in shorts and often in baseball caps.

By the time the Panthers kick off the preseason Aug. 13 against the New York Giants, they will have fewer than 10 padded practices under their belt.

It gets even easier once teams get into the regular season.

They can only practice once a week in pads for the first 11 weeks. After that, teams are limited to three total padded practices in the final six weeks of the season. I can only imagine how bad the tackling will be across the league. Kids, don’t watch. It might be like NBA guys playing defense.

I just don't see these guys as the gridiron warriors i use to. I remember high school straping up and dealing with the 90+ degree heat like a man. I don't know about you guys but after reading this crap it makes me sick. Not sure how much this affects the vets, but i feel like the rookies really won't get a taste of the NFL until it is gameday. How can you learn without live rounds?

I mean running around in ball caps really????

[Jbro]

http://www.carolinahuddle.com/forum/carolina-panthers/64906-anyone-see-steve-reeds-article-about-tc.html