Kony Ealy Update

[Jeremy Igo]

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

[Sean Payton's Vicodin]

THE ricky henry?

[KSpan]

Another guy whose struggles are perhaps more mental than physical. Hopefully you're right and the light has come on for him now rather than waiting for the season to start.

[Paa Langfart]

Good stuff to hear except for the part about Oher getting blown by again

[Panthro]

It's all upstairs with this guy. I hope he keeps it up.

[Memphis]

Good to hear the Ealy is progressing. I don't expect him to break out until his 3rd year as DE's normally take some time to mature and understand the finer aspects of playing in the NFL. (Just see that CJ practise hand movements every day before or after practise) But I have really high hopes for him and love his versatility to play both on the outside and inside, which is what made Hardy so valuable. I just hope he understands that practise makes the foundation for what happens on the field on Sundays, though there are some players that just suck in practise and a switch turns on on game day.

[Snake]

God when is Oher not getting blown up.

[The Huddler]

Oh poo! Ealy with the kicks!!

[Wundrbread33]

Yeah those cleats are amazing. Physically I know he can do it, but it's all about repetition and technique for him. He should be in CJ's back pocket constantly. He can learn a lot from him. 

[X-Clown on 1]

I wonder was causing the slow starts?  Is he taking that big of a mental vacation in the off season that he's shaking off months of rust?

[Gin and Juice]

A lot of times, trying too hard can make people look like they are behind the curve. May not be the case, but could very well be. Rest of the world calls it over thinking! 

Much like CJ is illustrating, it's all about fundamentals while still challenging yourself to be a student of the game

[bLACKpANTHER]

I like the sound of Charles, Alexander, Mario and Ealy.. i think i just CAME..

http://bradfordcrabtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Sleazy_Used_Car_Salesman_Marketing_Copywriting_Guaranteed-624x392.jpg

 

Edited August 6, 2015 by bLACKpANTHER

[PantherPhann89]

Double edged sword. On the defensive side it sounds good, on the offensive side it doesn't. 

[top dawg]

A stout Ealy would also improve the quality rotation at defensive end, allowing Charles Johsnon and Mario Addison to stay more rested and effective. 

View full article

Didn't you leave someone out?

I don't know whether it was just a simple oversight, or perhaps a Freudian slip, but your negation of Frank Alexander may mean something.