Russell Shepard. Offensive Star of OTAs Day 1 / Marlowe Defensive Star

[KB_fan]

Russell Shepard seems to have been the star on the offensive side of things in day 1 of OTAs.   Nice article on him at Panthers.com

http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Energetic-Russell-Shepard-immediately-stands-out/7c4ab777-9953-4a4c-88b3-5f84720183eb

Here's an excerpt:

Quote

 

And when his number was called, Shepard made plays. He came down with tough catches in traffic on several occasions and also found a way to get open with short patterns underneath.

“It was so fun, man,” Shepard said. “This is what we do and it brings peace to you, especially being on a new team, a new environment.”

Most who follow the Panthers are still getting acquainted with the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, but it’s clear quarterback Cam Newton is already a big fan of the new No. 19.

Newton, vocal and energetic as always despite being unable to practice, was constantly praising “Shep!” after receptions during the team period.

It became obvious very quickly that those two approach the game the same way.

“He’s a talker, I’m a talker. We’re passionate individuals,” Shepard said. “Those kind of people either hate each other or love each other. That’s my quarterback, so I love him. We definitely click.”

And although it’s early and Shepard hasn’t yet caught a pass from Newton, the newcomer feels like coordinator Mike Shula’s offense will put him in position to take the next step as a wide receiver.

“I became real close to my head coach in Tampa, Dirk Koetter, and Dirk spoke very highly of Coach Shula’s offense,” said Shepard, who posted career bests with 23 receptions and 341 yards last season. “After seeing the first two weeks of install, I’m super excited to be in this offense. The receivers get a lot of freedom and I just have to take advantage of my opportunities, cut it loose and keep making plays.”

 

 

Really liking what I'm hearing about this guy already.   Apparently Funch, Benji & Bersin all had some good plays too.  Don't recall seeing mention of any other wideouts...

CMC was absent due to NCAA rules & Stanford quarter system.

Samuel absent due to a family matter.

[Jeremy Igo]

The Lord is Russ Shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green astroturf; He leadeth me beside the still gatorade.

He restoreth my football soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for the Panthers sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for The Atlanta Falcons blew a 25 point lead. 

 

Amen. 

[TheSpecialJuan]

Love it

[KB_fan]

Dean Marlowe was the star on the defensive side of things today:

More OTA notes:

http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Panthers-OTA-Observations-Day-1/d364d1d1-00c8-40e6-9430-1f14a7aefeb0

Quote

 

Defensive end Charles Johnson, coming off back surgery, and wide receiver Damiere Byrd (knee) took part in the majority of the OTA, an encouraging sign to be sure.
 

• Funchess got Bradberry back [first play of OTAs was a PBU by Bradberry on Funchess]  with a nice grab against him later in the first team period, and then the most notable performer of the day began to make his mark. Safety Dean Marlowe picked off a Joe Webb pass that bounded off tight end Eric Wallace, and Marlowe later had a nice pass breakup against tight end Ed Dickson. Marlowe also was in position if live contact were allowed to quickly and forcibly bring down wide receiver Russell Shepard – arguably the best offensive performer of the day – on a short reception.

"I just stayed true to my rules, locked in and just kept doing what I did," said Marlowe, who is in prime position to compete for playing time after going on injured reserve with a hamstring injury after Week 2 last season. "This is the first time I've put on a helmet since September. I'm so happy to be out here healthy and performing on the field."

[...]

Once in position drills, Matt Kalil got a warm welcome from offensive line coach Ray Brown on his first shot at the sled.

"That's nice pad level, 75," Brown said. "Way to join the program."
 

• During pitch-and-catch drills, the Panthers were precise across the board on shorter routes but looked a little rusty as the routes lengthened. Offensive coordinator Mike Shula encouraged the group to push the pace. Veteran Brenton Bersin appeared to do everything right, and Webb continued to live out the "more you can do" mantra, running the final receiving route to complete the process of the players changing sides for the next round of tosses.

 

• It was an interesting debut for rookie cornerback Corn Elder, the Panthers' fifth-round draft choice. Shepard and Kelvin Benjamin both made nice catches technically at Elder's expense, but the rookie was right there and couldn't have done much more from a coverage standpoint. Benjamin also made another catch where, with the help of an accurate throw, the defense pretty much was powerless.

 

•  

[KB_fan]

2 minutes ago, Jeremy Igo said:

The Lord is Russ Shepherd; I shall not want.

I keep having trouble with his name too....

Shepard, not Shepherd!

[Dex]

1 minute ago, KB_fan said:

Dean Marlowe was the star on the defensive side of things today:

it's happening. my prophecy. 

[shaqattaq]

This was a nice read, I'm rooting for him. From everything that I've read, he's really motivated and a stand up guy, but nothing will light a fire under your ass like being one of 9 players fighting for 3 (maybe 4) spots. 

[LinvilleGorge]

I know it's just OTAs but those are encouraging names to hear doing well. I really don't want Funchess to just be handed a starting spot by default. I eant someone to push him. Maybe Shephard can be that guy. And safety depth is a concern. If Marlowe can provide quality depth there that would be very comforting.

[KB_fan]

3 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

I know it's just OTAs but those are encouraging names to hear doing well. I really don't want Funchess to just be handed a starting spot by default. I eant someone to push him. Maybe Shephard can be that guy. And safety depth is a concern. If Marlowe can provide quality depth there that would be very comforting.

Could not have said it better.  My thoughts EXACTLY.

[Snake]

I never get exited until the contact begins. 

[Nate Dogg]

Nobody ever talks about Charles Johnson 2.0..? Is he a non-factor?

[Saca312]

You know, I know I already made a Russell Shepard post before, but today just ignited a desire to create another high quality one for him.

Stay tuned. 

[Saca312]

Also, not sure if true, but last year I heard rumors that Marlowe probably would've started above Boston had he been healthy.

Don't know if that helps any.

[Hogmolliesmaht]

4 minutes ago, Saca312 said:

Also, not sure if true, but last year I heard rumors that Marlowe probably would've started above Boston had he been healthy.

Don't know if that helps any.

They are both off to a good start, at least. Man, that WR room is stacked this year.