8/2 Training Camp, Twitter Thread

[mj4life]

Nothing suggests Bell is better than Campbell.

But I fully agree Campbell has to earn it from Bell. Rivera is right in rewarding Bell with the seat for now

didn't say he was, bell is the starter right now but that could change between now & the start of the regular season. it's not as if bell is getting a free pass to start with nobody on the roster to challenge him or a coaching staff intent on playing someone just because they like him.

[Montie_0123]

I think we all need to see how Bell plays during the preseason now that he has a year under his belt. If he still plays like he did last year then it's likely Campbell will beat him out. But if he has shown the improvement that Rivera talks about then we need to leave the situation alone. Because like many have said he was a undrafted free agent thrown into the fire during a lockout year. I'm pulling for him because he's showing that he wants to be here and he's giving it all he got.

[CLG]

HELL YES!!! He my man. Any pics of him? Im Kinda off my Hogan High

Traitor. lol. I been trying to stay strong, but im fading fast too.

[Jackofalltrades]

I can find quotes of Ron praising our DTs, backup LBs, defending Capt and our Ss.

What specifically did Bell improve on? I just didnt see....wasn't handling pass rushers.

"Nobody's getting anything there. Byron Bell did a hell of a job for us last year," Rivera said.

http://m.nfl.com/news/09000d5d82931556/

He improved in all facets, as you would expect from someone in his position. He has stuff to work on, but to insinuate that he's just awful is horribly inaccurate.

[The Huddler]

Traitor. lol. I been trying to stay strong, but im fading fast too.

Hey man im still high on Hogan but my man Bruce is the man

[The Huddler]

Traitor. lol. I been trying to stay strong, but im fading fast too.

Hey man im still high on Hogan but my man Bruce is the man

[CRA]

"Nobody's getting anything there. Byron Bell did a hell of a job for us last year," Rivera said.

http://m.nfl.com/news/09000d5d82931556/

He improved in all facets, as you would expect from someone in his position. He has stuff to work on, but to insinuate that he's just awful is horribly inaccurate.

I think it is horribly inaccurate to say he isn't awful in pass protection. Which is my concern in our new offense with our new QB.

I still saw no improvement there. I think he gained a better clue of what was going on....he is just too slow when asked to pass protect.

and if that wasn't awful T play last year then I don't know if awful T play exist ( and I am not grading him on being a rookie thrown into a bad spot....just NFL T play in general).

[Udogg]

What do you use to grade? Coaches tape, tivo or you tube?

[iamhubby1]

I think it is horribly inaccurate to say he isn't awful in pass protection. Which is my concern in our new offense with our new QB.

I still saw no improvement there. I think he gained a better clue of what was going on....he is just too slow when asked to pass protect.

and if that wasn't awful T play last year then I don't know if awful T play exist ( and I am not grading him on being a rookie thrown into a bad spot....just NFL T play in general).

C'mon man. He only gave up 5 sacks. The 14 penalties were the killer. If he cuts down on the penalties, does not go up on sacks, I would judge that a good second year for Bell. And I see that as very attainable.

If Campbell has impressed at LT, there is no reason to think they would not try him the right side. If he can play, he very well may. You can say that about almost anyone on the right side as of now.

It is the competition that drives the motor. Bell knows what is ahead of him, and he has stayed the course. That should tell you something about his character. C'mon man. Give the guy, and the whole line for that matter, a break. They are working their collective asses off to get better. To make Cam's live easier. And to make you happy, although albet, in a round about way.

Things are not near as dire as some suggest. I hope anyway. And GOOOO CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Icege]

I am absolutely giddy with excitement for this coming season. Trying to keep my expectations to a 9-7 season with being a contender for a playoff spot is getting to be very difficult...

When I look at the entire team, I see very few weak points. WR has a lot of competition and will no doubt there will be a receiving core than the last three seasons. The backfield is already ridiculous and the oline is only going to be better with even stronger depth. Cam is amazing. TE isn't going to be as strong as it was last season and that does concern me, but I believe in Olsen and Tolbert lining up there on occasion. I'm hoping Barnidge plays his ass off. Oh, and Medlock > Mare please!

The defense... The DL and DB will all be better with even more competition and strong depth. The LBs have been replenished. Both sides of the ball are getting a full offseason, and with a team full of so many young players this is crucial. I'm anxiously awaiting to see how Luke Kuechly looks covering the NFCS TEs and my fingers are crossed to see whomever the #2 CB is be reliable (I trust Gamble). Ron Edwards, regardless of being average, will make the defensive line better along with the two 3rd rounders getting that year of experience.

I am a bundle of excitement D:

[Mage]

Why do people think Bell should get a pass just because he is working hard?

I have no issue if people think Bell can improve. Hell, I think he can too. I respect him for his work ethic. But that doesn't change the fact he was really, really bad last year and looked horrific blocking Bowers and had a lot of mental lapses. Can he improve? Yes. But stop using that as a defense for his performance last year. As of now, his job should be far from secure. He should be pushed and pushed and pushed everyday to help him, and the team, improve.

[jayflip]

Why do people think Bell should get a pass just because he is working hard?

I have no issue if people think Bell can improve. Hell, I think he can too. I respect him for his work ethic. But that doesn't change the fact he was really, really bad last year and looked horrific blocking Bowers and had a lot of mental lapses. Can he improve? Yes. But stop using that as a defense for his performance last year. As of now, his job should be far from secure. He should be pushed and pushed and pushed everyday to help him, and the team, improve.

This. Bell was serviceable last year. Barely. For his circumstances, did he play well? Yes, but I'm not willing to put the protection of our franchise QB in the hands of context. Yeah he was a UDFA with no offseason and was thrust into playing time due to two injuries on the depth chart. I admire him for what he overcame. That doesn't make him good. His play last year was pretty putrid. Don't buy the statline of sacks surrendered for him. Cam is very mobile and hard to bring down. I'm willing to bet Hangman's play suffered last year having to overcompensate for Bell as well.

Did he get better? Yeah, but improving on horrible is pretty standard with experience. I'm hoping he can become all pro if pressed into starting duty again, but I'd rather put my faith in starting the best talent for the job. That very well may be Bell, but I'm not ready to crown him based off of his admirable work ethic and haphazard play.

[CRA]

What do you use to grade? Coaches tape, tivo or you tube?

Don't need coaches tape for basic observations.

Does someone need coaches tape to recognize the major flaws in Clausen as a rookie or Cam's strengths?

Don't need coaches tape to recognize Bell was awful in pass protection

[DaveThePanther2008]

For me Bell did well. Not saying he is franchise RT just yet. He has alot to improve on. Not many 2nd year pros are going to be fully polished. It amazes me that a rookie get beat a couple of times. Probably by some pretty crafty DE and all the critics can post is 5 sack is aweful How many pass attempts 517. Last time I looked that is less than 1% of the snaps. The penalities are 1.5 percent of 962 plays. Not bad for a rookie. Lets try for less then 1% on both this season. Amazes me the critics make it sound like he screwed up all the time. We were 7th in Total Offense and Tied for 5th in points. While Bell can improve (just like anyone) I don't think Carolina would have been THAT good if we had a CRAPPY RT.

I am all for competition for RT (any spot for that matter) If Campbell or anyone else beats him out then all is good in Pantherland. But if Bell is starting RT on opening day then I am going to believe that Bell is Rivera's best option at RT.

The big babies that know it all need to sit down and STFU and enjoy the season. I am sure Bell or whoever we employ at RT is gonna give up a few sacks. After all for nearly 1000 plays per season I am certain the other guy might win a battle or two.