Panthers Training Camp Photos and Notes - Final Practice

[Jeremy Igo]

With Kelvin Benjamin out for the year and Devin Funchess out for the day with a sprained hamstring, the Panthers showcased for the first time what they can do without their tall pass catching duo. 

The result? A mixed bag. 

The entire Panthers offense started off very sluggish, similar to the preseason game.

Fozzy Whitaker tried to find running room, but was snuffed out quickly. 

In fact, the first completed pass of the day in the team drills came from the third string, a screen pass from Joe Webb to Brandon Wegher. When your first two units fail to complete a pass in team drills.... it isn't a good sign. 

Once the Panthers settled in, they featured more two tight end sets in their offense. The tight ends performed very well. 

Greg Olsen caught a really nice touchdown in tight coverage, one handing it in. 

Ed Dickson caught a few passes over the middle in team drills. 

and even newly converted tight end Marcus Lucas got in the action with a nice touchdown grab from Derek Anderson. 

Lucas has put on about 15 pounds of muscle from last season. I am really tempted to now put him on my roster projection. A big body that can play both WR and TE spots could be a real asset when trying to compensate for Kelvin Benjamin's loss. 

The Panthers seem to realize the deficit of talent they have at the wide receiver position currently. Featuring the talented tight ends more will be the main stay of the offense now. 

Rookie Daryl Williams spent some time as the starting right tackle and performed well. It is only a matter of time until the Panthers figure out a way to get this kid out there full time. He may be the best draft pick of 2015. 

As far as the wide receivers go, it was a rough outing mostly. 

Ted Ginn provided the best play of the day. 

On first and 10 in the 2 minute drill, the Panthers surprised the Dolphins with a long bomb from Cam Newton to Ginn. As you can see, Ginn was no where near being covered, a blown assignment by the Dolphins. 

As far as the other receivers, in general it was a lackluster day. Most of the plays ended in failure to gain separation and as a result a defensive play on the ball. 

Jerricho Cotchery's play was the most costly for the Panthers and ended in an interception. I am not sure why passes are being thrown to him far downfield. It seems shorter routes where more route precision and hands are required would be a better fit for him. 

Mike Tolbert and Jordan Todman looked solid today and both made nice plays running the ball. 

Todman is a really slippery guy. I am excited to see him in action this season. He has a knack for hiding behind his linemen until just the right moment, then punching the ball out in a hurry. Todman may be the most significant offensive pickup the Panthers had in free agency this season. 

So, in summary....

- The Panthers are increasing their looks in the two tight end sets. All three tight ends for the Panthers looked good. 

- None of the receivers (not named Ginn) did anything to really help their cause today and prove they can be a number one or two receiver. Some plays were made occasionally here and there, but the consistency is just not there. Receivers are failing to gain seperation from their defenders. The result was multiple dropped balls and interceptions. 

- The running game looked promising with Tolbert and Todman especially. 

I do not feel the Panthers will be signing a receiver anytime soon from free agency. However, I do not feel a future signing or trade is out of the question as teams are forced to release players. Gettleman does have a history of signing free agents up until the start of the season. Could it happen at the receiver position this year? Maybe. 

 

 

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[Mr. Scot]

Todman is a really slippery guy. I am excited to see him in action this season. He has a knack for hiding behind his linemen until just the right moment, then punching the ball out in a hurry.

That's what makes LeVeon Bell look so good.

Edited August 20, 2015 by Mr. Scot

[jamos14]

Sounds like Brandon Williams roster chances have gone down hill dramatically.  Not surprising when you miss all of training camp but really disappointing.  I had high hopes for him.

 

 

[Jeremy Igo]

That's what makes LeVeon Bell look so good.

Admit it, you love seeing 70 and 60 next to eachother up there don't you. 

 

Man, that is a right side to run behind. 

[rico6]

IF we can produce another top 10 rushing season and our defense playing absolutely lights out every Sunday, I can at least have an inkling of hope for this season. 

 

-- really, Shula? Cotchery is still being tasked to run outs? So god damned stupid. 

Edited August 20, 2015 by rico6

[Daeavorn]

Marcus Lucus may be a really big help this season. I had already thought he may take SwoleBones roster spot, now I'm even more convinced.

 

Lets go 2 TE sets!

[Mr. Scot]

Admit it, you love seeing 70 and 60 next to each other up there don't you. 

Man, that is a right side to run behind. 

I don't really wanna get into the tired, overused "can he play left tackle" bit, but I'm really starting to wonder if maybe after a year at right, they'll try Daryl Williams at left.  A lot of great left tackles have started that way.

Also wondering if they're thinking Mike Remmers could be their main 'utility' guy.

[Jeremy Igo]

IF we can produce another top 10 rushing season and our defense playing absolutely lights out every Sunday, I can at least have an inkling of hope for this season. 

 

 

There really is no reason why they should not. They have plenty of talent on the line and running the ball now. Add in Cam scrambling and a top 10 rushing attack should be a no brainer. 

[Jeremy Igo]

 

Also wondering if they're thinking Mike Remmers could be their main 'utility' guy.

Was talking to a Panthers staffer about that. The Hangman comparison was made. I think it is a valid one. 

[Mr. Scot]

Was talking to a Panthers staffer about that. The Hangman comparison was made. I think it is a valid one. 

I could see that comparison.

[Jeremy Igo]

I'm gonna take it that our defense did well as usual and Oher didn't look bad either.

Not sure about the defense. They were on an entirely other field all day. Could not watch both. Was more interested in the offense with out KB and Funchess. 

[Mark S]

What about the defense?

[KSpan]

I'm gonna take it that our defense did well as usual and Oher didn't look bad either.

I think no news about Oher is good news given the hand-wringing about the LT position.  People would be fixated if he was still looking bad.

[jamos14]

I think no news about Oher is good news given the hand-wringing about the LT position.  People would be fixated if he was still looking bad.

This. Great point.