Jeremy Igo

Please do not read much into this depth chart. It is only a formality for the first preseason game. They literally spend next to zero time on it.

Believe it or not, a full Panthers practice did transpire on Monday. Here are some of the happenings.... KK Short was in full pads for the first time this football season. Jonathan Stewart looked great today. He had multiple runs that could have gone for serious yardage. You want a quick fix for the passing game? This is it. A stout running game will work wonders for Cam Newton. Greg Olsen was by far the most reliable target in the passing game for Cam Newton today. Olsen hauled in four passes in team drills. Even after the scuffle, no one got chippy with Greg. Everyone has far too much respect for his no nonsense playing style. Cameron Artis-Payne once again took some second string reps away from Fozzy Whitaker. Artis-Payne showed a real knack for taking the ball outside but cutting back inside at the last moment. His running style gives the offense a new dynamic I have not seen in a while. After the fight, the defense got even more tenacious. Jonathan Stewart started getting frustrated at their constant pawing after the play was over. Stewart's guys were waiting for him to offer come encouragement. Stewart kept his cool the entire day. Derek Anderson broke the tension a bit with a QB scramble that went for a big gain. It seems the defense forgot that Anderson could also run the ball. Anderson did an entire lap and let out a "wooohoooo hoooooo" that got laughs from the crowd. Back at the sidelines a now settled Cam Newton gave Anderson his credit. Newton almost threw his third interception of the day. A ball intended for Kelvin Benjamin over the middle was just out of reach. Tre Boston nearly intercepted it but could not hang on. Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly were removed from the last part of the team reps. The two linebackers were not calming down as quickly as the coaches would have liked. I don't know what the offense was saying to them, but it was not received well. And finally, yes, rookie Damiere Byrd did make another play today. A nice 15 yard reception in traffic from Derek Anderson. View full article

During goal line drills today, Lee Ward made his best offensive play of camp so far. Ward snuck out of the backfield and caught a touchdown pass from Panthers backup QB Derek Anderson, avoiding Colin Jones in the process. This was Ward's third target, third reception, and first touchdown of training camp. After the TD, Ward flicked the ball to the ball boy, just his first TD in a pro uniform, no big deal. Ward has done surprisingly well in the passing game and is dispelling the impression that he is only a blocking fullback. If he can continue to show he is an asset in the passing game as well it will go a long way in his chances making the regular roster. View full article

Not by media. That ship sailed years ago .

Yeah..... that won't happen.

Mike Brown not Corey Brown.

Keeping Byrd over Brown and Boykin would help on the compensatory picks front next year.

Casual fans at Panthers training camp likely were excited to see wide receivers Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess on Sunday afternoon. As it turns out, three lesser known receivers ended up stealing the show. Mike Brown, Jarrett Boykin, and rookie Damiere Byrd all had strong showings at Sunday's practice. Byrd could be this year's Corey Brown. Much like Brown last season, Byrd keeps making plays no matter what unit he is playing with. Today was no exception. Damiere hauled in multiple nice catches and even elevated to backup punt returner. Ted Ginn Jr has even taken the speedy Byrd under his wing. (terrible pun) Mike Brown has been mostly absent this entire offseason. Today, however, he hauled in multiple long passes for large gains from Derek Anderson and Joe Webb. Brown is on the bubble with the Panthers, it is difficult to see where on the depth chart he fits in. A few more practices like today, however, and it may become less difficult. Jarrett Boykin provided one of the most exciting plays of the day, catching a pass from Derek Anderson in stride under heavy pressure from corner Carrington Byndom and behind safety Robert Lester. Cam Newton was so impressed with the Boykin effort he made sure to celebrate with him. Brown, Boykin and Byrd. Three names to remember as Panthers training camp continues on. View full article

While the Panthers' Sunday afternoon padless practice did not provide any hard hitting, it did provide plenty off opportunity for the defensive backs to showcase their skills. Newcomer TJ Heath just keeps making plays. He hauled in a leaping interception intended for Ted Ginn. It was probably a pass interference call on Teddy Williams, which is a shame, because it was a beautiful grab by Heath. Rookie Dean Marlowe added to today's highlight reel by appearing out of no where and plucking a ball intended for tight end Jamie Childers. Marlowe may be one of the biggest steals of this rookie class. He has been very impressive thus far. Last week, Josh Norman was plastered all over the media for allowing a long touchdown to Ted Ginn Jr. (Norman told me the coverage was not exactly fair as he let up on the play due to equipment issue.) Today Norman got the better of Ginn on the same play, this time nearly intercepting it. Safety Marcus Ball also tried to get in on the act, nearly intercepting a pass intended for Marcus Lucas. Ball received encouraging words from Josh Norman after the play. I get a good feeling from this year's crop of Carolina Panthers defensive backs. If the Panthers front seven can force opposing quarterbacks to make mistakes, this group of players can make them pay. View full article

For the last week at the Carolina Panthers training camp, running back Fozzy Whitaker had taken the majority of the second string snaps behind starter Jonathan Stewart. Today, it was rookie Cameron Artis-Payne that received the majority of the second string snaps. Payne was seen getting handoffs from Cam Newton in addition to receiving out of the backfield. Artis-Payne has been getting an increasing number of reps as camp has gone on. If this trend continues, he may take over the second string or "change-up" back position for good by the start of the season. Artis-Payne, like Fozzy Whitaker, is a good compliment to Jonathan Stewart. Both backs offer a shiftiness out of the backfield that could break for large gains on any run. On one particular run today, Artis-Payne was hit by second year corner Carrington Byndom. This type of contact is usually prohibited during non padded practice. Artis-Payne was not expecting it. After absorbing the hit and hanging on to the ball, Artis-Payne just looked back at the defender and smiled. A fragile running back he is not. Whether this is a permanent move or the coaches just wanting to get a closer look at Artis-Payne with the first string remains to be seen. However, a late round rookie getting plenty of first string reps is nothing to brush off as meaningless. Something is happening at the running back position and it is worth keeping your eyes on. View full article

I am not so sure Oher would beat out Remmers at RT. Remmers has looked really good in camp this year.

the world may never know

Cameron Artis-Payne is getting more and more reps as the days go by in Panthers training camp. At this rate, he could conceivably take over the #2 running back position by the end of the preseason. Yesterday during press conferences, Mike Tolbert mentioned how patient Artis-Payne was in his running. Today, Cameron showed that he can be elusive as well. During team drills, linebacker Adarius Glanton appeared to have the upper hand in stopping Artis-Payne. But Glanton was unable to wrap-up... ... allowing the running back to gain several more yards before eventually being stopped. Tackling the runner is not really allowed in training camp (although it does happen sometimes). But during fully padded team drills, defensive players to wrap up the running backs and prevent them from gaining more yards. Cameron Artis-Payne has only improved since OTA practices in June. It makes you wonder, just how high is his ceiling? Stay tuned... View full article

The first string left tackle position is without a doubt the position with the most question marks surrounding it currently on the Panthers offense. With mixed reviews of Michael Oher and backup Nate Chandler, the Panthers could be searching for a long term answer. During Thursday's practice, the Panthers initially went with Amini Silatolu on the left side, but during the first string team drills toward the last part of practice we saw Daryl Williams anchoring the left side for the first time this training camp. Williams lines up at left tackle for seven plays against second year man Kony Ealy. Daryl has improved his foot work a great deal since the June OTA workouts. I did not see him cross his feet at all, a bad habit he had in June. Williams' shuffle was faster and he kept a wide, balanced base as he fended off Ealy almost effortlessly. In the end, Williams gave up no pressures and run blocked well in the seven opportunities he was given. Whether or not Williams continues to see time at left tackle once starter Michael Oher and backup Nate Chandler are in pads again remains to be seen. This could be just a case of the coaching staff wanting to see how the rookie adjusts on the left side safely, without bruising veteran egos. Williams did make the most of the opportunity, however. You cannot ask for more from a rookie. View full article

Kelvin Benjamin provided the most exciting play of the day in the form of a long bomb touchdown over safety Tre Boston. Here is how it happened in photos.... Kelvin broke free as Derek Anderson hit him perfectly in stride... Jordan Todman celebrated as Kelvin eyed the end zone and Boston slowed his pursuit, knowing Kelvin was out of reach. Kelvin then greeted some children at the fence who were yelling for him, and move that absolutely made their day. Corey Brown and Jordan Todman celebrated with Benjamin. Cam Newton hurried over and urged Kelvin to toss the football to the kids. Benjamin tossed the football in a basketball shooting motion to the fans and went back to the sidelines. I realize as readers you may be getting a bit tired of hearing about Kelvin Benjamin highlights. But, in another otherwise mediocre offensive day, you should be thrilled that Benjamin continues to produce. View full article

One of the Carolina Panthers players I am asked about more frequently is second year defensive end Kony Ealy. Ealy has the potential to be a great asset in Carolina as he can play both defensive end and defensive tackle. Players that can fill in at multiple positions are highly coveted in the NFL because they offer the coaching staffs much greater flexibility in developing a roster. Last season, Ealy struggled early in camp and during the first part of the season. As the Sundays came and went, Ealy did show great improvement. Towards the end of the year, he was an important cog in the Panthers defensive machine. So, how has Kony looked this season? Well, I can tell you that it has been another slow start for Kony. Whispers of his sub par play are heard frequently along the sidelines and among the media types. That may have all started to change on the 5th training camp practice, when Ealy once again started showing flashes. Pictured below is a nice swim move Ealy has developed as a defensive tackle. Ealy blew past guard Ricky Henry on the way to the quarterback. The result was a solid run stop. Later in practice, against Cam Newton and the Panthers first string defense, Ealy was inserted as a defensive end. He was able to elude offensive tackle Michael Oher. Of course, Ealy let up as he approached Cam Newton, as contact with the QB is not allowed in camp. As you can see below, the result would have surely been a QB sack if Ealy had kept going full speed. If Ealy can continue to improve throughout camp and preseason it will help the defense tremendously. It would help ease concerns with the defensive tackle injuries. A stout Ealy would also improve the quality rotation at defensive end, allowing Charles Johsnon and Mario Addison to stay more rested and effective. I will keep you updated on his progress throughout training camp. View full article

I have had the same thoughts. Byrd doesn't have chicken legs though. If anything, he is bottom heavy. It seems like most of the guys that get rattled have tiny legs like Armanti had.

Highly unlikely. But.... not sure if Gettleman's pride will allow him to waive a draft pick. I agree though, Trusnik makes much more sense on this squad than Mayo. Klein is a fine backup MLB.

Probably equal. Boykin has made a nice play here and there. Byrd may have the advantage though as Boykin is basically a lesser Bersin.

Here is a look at a drill in which Chandler is lining up at left tackle against a very much improved Mario Addison. Ron Rivera is the QB. The result speaks for itself. As you can see, Ron actually has to move to avoid contact. If that were a QB, you could chalk up a sack for Addison.

Tempers flared, plays were made, fun was had. All in all an exciting day at Panthers training camp. During warmups, I notice the audio guys were playing Bon Jovi. How would the team react? Well... Once stretching was over, individual drills began. Charles Johnson was practicing his hand placements and warding off offensive tackles. Johnson spends every single morning working on his hands. Younger defensive ends should take note. Panthers fullback Lee Ward was sporting a new bandage on his chin from Tuesday's scuffle. One drill that was on the itinerary this morning was forcing fumbles. Players would be directed to strip the ball from the carrier with a ripping action. Dean Marlowe had a solid day today. He is currently pressing Robert Lester for his position on the practice squad. Marlowe may have more upside than Lester. Mario Addison continues to impress. It seems to me he has built up more strength this offseason. If he can get stronger while maintaining that elite speed, he could be a real solution opposite Charles Johnson. That Devin Funchess vertical again.... Funchess shows solid concentration and control while playing. In end zone drills with Cam Newton and Kelvin Benjamin, Devin kept the ball in front of him and alive while making the grab. By now you may have heard of the scuffle that happened between defensive end Frank Alexander and guard Ricky Henry. Here are the pictures. Our training camp partner Black and Blue Review has the video available. The Panthers offense struggled again overall today. Cam Newton was either sacked or forced to scramble on a good number of snaps. This is starting to be a concern and brings back memories of last season. The offense needs better play selection with quicker developing routes along with better protection if it hopes to improve this season. Nate Chandler is seeing much more time at left tackle. He took more than a few snaps with the first team offense today. The Panthers could be looking at contingency plans if Oher continues to struggle. Chandler didn't look great, but he didn't look terrible either. He does look improved over last season. Lee Ward almost got into it again today, this time with linebacker Brian Belchen. After Ward placed a textbook block on Blechen, Blechen kept engaged even after the whistle. This time, Ward stood his ground, challenging Blechen who then backed off. Ward is not making any friends on the Panthers defense, and I am just fine with that. Other Notes: - Devin Funchess had a solid day today, hauling in numerous passes from Cam Newton and Derek Anderson. - Kelvin Benjamin also impressive still. Caught a nice reception in traffic while bodying out Josh Norman. - Kurt Coleman is looking more and more like a day 1 starter at strong safety. - Kony Ealy had a solid day, more on that later. More updates coming later today, stay tuned. View full article

In June I reported that undrafted rookie Damiere Byrd out of South Carolina was making plays during OTA workouts. Now, in August, I can tell you that Damiere Byrd is also making plays in training camp. During a fully padded practice,, Byrd was able to sneak behind Colin Jones in the secondary and make an impressive reception from Cam Newton. However, the NFL officials at practice called him out of bounds. Byrd will need to work on the small details of the position like dragging your feet and tapping your toe when near the sideline. The good news for Damiere is that much like last year's Corey Brown, he is an undrafted receiver getting reps with the first string.... and producing That is something not to be taken lightly. Byrd has the kind of speed that cannot be taught. During the final play of practice, it was again Byrd who snuck into the back of the end zone behind safety Robert Lester, this time bringing his feet down in bounds for the touchdown. Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera has said the Panthers would keep 6 or even 7 wide receivers. Six receivers is fairly common across the league. Seven, however, is not. Could Rivera have had Damiere Byrd in mind when he made that comment? Could be. View full article

The only time I noticed him is when Lee Ward made him look silly on a delayed blitz pickup.

It is a good thought, but they do no actual hitting or anything on special teams at all. First real look will be in Buffalo.