July 27: On this Day...

[KB_fan]

I'm still pretty new here.  This will be my first training camp reading the Huddle.  In both 2013 and 2014, training camp was already underway by now.  I thought it might be fun to take a look back in the archives at a few interesting tidbits from camp that were hot topics of discussion here on the Huddle on this date in prior years.  I'm only going to be looking back at 2013 and 2014 seasons, since I'm too new to Charlotte & the Panthers to really be able to say anything meaningful about seasons before 2013.  If other readers want to chime in from earlier years, that would be fun to read.

July 27 2014: 

Camp Day 2 Observations & Photos

My favorites were the pix of Greg Olsen: http://www.carolinahuddle.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/Panthers-training-camp-13.jpg

Jeremy wrote:  Greg Olson is also having a great camp so far this year. He has made some acrobatic one handed grabs. Greg isn't the most talkative guy on the practice field, instead he lets his play do the talking. However, I have seen him really help out the younger tight ends on their route running. Greg fits the wise veteran mold well.

Greg truly stepped it up to an even higher gear last year and I'm so thrilled he had a pro-bowl year, finally getting some of the recognition he so well deserves.

and Philly Brown: http://www.carolinahuddle.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/Panthers-training-camp-28.jpg

Jeremy wrote: Philly Brown made a really nice grab at the end of practice. He was able to get behind and out leap Cason, who is a starting defensive back in this league. This is great news for Philly Brown fans.

A little taste of the excitement he was to provide late in the season, and which we're hoping to see much more of this year!

 

Other news from July 26-27, 2014

• Classifieds: Looking for someone who can catch a punt.    Yikes, our season long struggle with punt returning was evident already from Day 2 of camp.
• Tyler Gaffney hurt (July 26)
• Trevelle Wharton retires
• Hardy Talks    "Hates that he's been a distraction to the team"  UGH It was only to get MUCH worse...

 

July 26-27, 2013:

• July 26 Camp observations - http://www.carolinahuddle.com/boards/topic/88810-swags-7-26-camp-observations/
• Also here:  http://www.carolinahuddle.com/boards/topic/88813-a-couple-pictures-and-thoughts-from-726/

there seemed to be quite a bit of excitement about Amini Silatolu. 

Amini Silatolu looks like he could be the real deal. New number (66) much more trim and defined physically. Granted they are in shorts and not going full contact he seemed very strong in blocking drills. He dominated Star 100% (to be expected) and practically stonewalled every lineman that he faced. Looked great on a pull to the right side that sealed off the edge on a Williams run.

First of All Amini looked like a bad mother.  He is wearing #66 now and he was bossing Star in one on ones. His weakness was always the mental side of things but he looks strong and quick.

Fast forward 2 years later and Amini may be fighting to stay on the team.  Really wish he'd live up to the promise he first showed.

Of course we all know the total turnover of our WR corps, but still it's striking to read a list of WRs from 2013 camp, and (apart from Smith, Bersin & Ginn) there were five guys who are long gone...  A bit of a reality check that we don't get too excited too early in Camp about this year's WRs.

Kndrick Panther wrote: Obviously #89 [Smitty] and #11 [Bersin] looked good but I will list off some others that looked good in the wide receiver group: #83 Taulib Ikharo ran well and caught well. #10 James Shaw looked good and got a few first team reps. #14 Armanti Edwards and #15 Joe Adams looked good as always. (no pads, take this all with a grain of salt). #87 Domenick Hixon looked good as well. I didn't see #19 Ted Ginn make any plays. I didn't see every play so he might have done well but I did see him line up in the wrong spot and Cam had to correct him.

Lots of folks were concerned with Ginn's drops, noting his only chance to make the team was part of the returning corps.  Fortunately he proved to be a real strength to the team in that role.  Let's hope he can again bring what we need to the return game this year.  I'm glad he's back.  I really hope with our young group of WRs we can put together a group that will stay together (Benji, Funch, Corey Brown...) and make a difference for years.  The constant churning at this position makes me realize afresh some of the hurdles we've had to overcome to get to the playoffs the past two years.  Seems like we could be close to some strength & stability at WR, but obviously, some of our hope is still yet to be proven given that between them KB, Funchess & Corey Brown have only 2 seasons of pro play.  I think we've got the makings of something special at WR... now to see hopes translated into reality!

 

OK, those were just a few things that caught my eye from threads 1 & 2 years ago....  If others like this kind of look back, I'd be glad to do this again.  Let me know.

 

[KB_fan]

To look back yourselves...

For late July 2013, the threads are currently at around page 275 of the forum:

For late July 2014, the threads are currently at around page 137

Obviously the page numbers are not static, they'll change over time.

[KB_fan]

Perhaps one of the most "amusing" comments on that "classifieds: looking for someone who can catch a punt" thread from last year was this by Igo:

"I think Bersin should be given a shot at it. "

 

Words he would live to regret!

[London Loves Luke]

I like this, nice idea!

[Mol3m4n]

Nice thread op.

[LUUUUUKE]

Man. I remember reading those comments two years ago, and even where I was sitting while reading some of them. I can't however, remember what I ate for breakfast 2 days ago. Getting old kinda sucks

[pantherphan96]

Tiquan Underwood is looking better in camp than in the OTA's. While he doesn't appear to have the speed that Ted Ginn did, he does know how to run routes well enough to get some separation. His hands seem to be pretty good as well. I feel he is a lock to make the team.

Yikes.

Not only is Charles one of the better defensive ends in the league, but he also can return punts. Although, to be fair, he waived for the fair catch. What is the point of a defensive lineman returning the ball if he isn't going to run with it?

Rather see him back there than Bersin.

Bene Benwikere had a few technical miscues in drills and was quickly coached up by defensive backs coach Steve Wilks. Bene has looked pretty good overall, and the occasional miscue early can be expected.

Improved really well in one year.

Byron Bell was in at right tackle with Nate at left but then did get some more time at left tackle before the practice was over. While Byron is larger and takes up more room, his feet are heavier. It is a trade off that the coaches will have to decide on.

Yikes x2

 

Funny how Cason getting burned was less of a show of talent on Brown's part and more of an indictment on Cason's ability to cover any receiver.

[KB_fan]

Even though I hardly followed the NFL or the Panthers in 2011 or 2012, I took a few minutes to look back to the final week of July 3 & 4 years ago.

July 25, 2011 - the lockout ended....

 

July 24, 2012, After reading watching an interview with Luke, a Huddle commenter Argus Plexus correctly predicted Luke would win DROY: "DROY right there fellas. Bank on it." 

Yup.

 

July 25, 2012 - Ryan Kalil took out his infamous 2012 ad in the Charlotte Observer guaranteeing a Panthers Superbowl win.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/shutdown-corner/carolina-panthers-center-ryan-kalil-buys-full-page-143233253--nfl.html

Too bad he wasn't right.  But certainly the 2012 season seems like it began the turnaround and we fans still have hope it will happen, SOON!