Training Camp Day 1 - Thoughts and Observations

[Zod]

This morning I braved the I-85 construction and made my way to Spartanburg, SC for Carolina Panthers Training Camp. 

Unfortunately, because of continuing restrictions on what I can shoot and where I can shoot from, I really don't have much visual content to show you. I probably won't bother bringing a camera this season. The Panthers aim to be the only source for any such visual content and they just about have it wrapped up. Horrible for the fans, great for them, I guess. Considering this was by far the lightest and least energetic crowd I have ever witnessed at an opening camp day, perhaps they will realize their error and welcome the help in getting content out there. Probably not, but hey, here is to hoping. 

 

IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING CAMP

Be sure to bring an umbrella and sunscreen. There is no shade for you. The only place for fans is on the hill. You can no longer go on the left edge of the two fields in the shade, it is blocked off due to Covid restrictions I assume. 

Also, there are no autographs or player interactions this season. Leave your stuff at home. 

 

Observations

Overall, Sam Darnold had a good day. One near interception was thrown, but the rest of the passes for the most part were on target. Every Panthers QB in history has thrown plenty of INTs in camp, and Darnold won't be any different. But he had as good a first day of camp as anyone had. I am interested to see how he continues to develop in the system. 

One note on Darnold, he doesn't appear to stare down receivers. Plenty of looking around as he goes through his progression. 

There is a definite increase in swagger throughout the Panthers defensive secondary. Donte Jackson and Jaycee Horn seem to have found a nice chemistry on the sidelines together and feed off of each others energy. 

Second string QB remains a long distance away from the starter in terms of QB play. I am not certain Walker or Grier both make the team this season. The Panthers really could use a decent backup. 

Today was the first time I have gotten to see second round draft pick Terrace Marshall in action. He caught a few nice balls from Darnold, mostly shallow routes. I didn't see a single drop. 

Flying under the radar is Reggie Bonnafon. Bonnafon had a solid day today catching the ball on check downs. The RB room is crowded this year but I would like to see Reggie continue to make the cut. 

TE Dan Arnold continues to impress. He excels at making the catch and fluidly turning his hips and getting up field in one smooth motion. Such an impressive receiving threat, but can he block? We shall see when the pads get on. 

That is all for now. I will post some more tidbits later this evening after they are done fermenting. 

[Mr. Scot]

Thing about Bonnafon is I'm not sure he can stay healthy in increased action.

He looks good, but there's that dreaded "when healthy" qualifier. 

[t96]

Thanks Jeremy. When do pads go on?

[Zod]

Just now, t96 said:

Thanks Jeremy. When do pads go on?

Saturday or Monday. Not exactly sure. 

[mccjeff]

Thanks

[BrianS]

Did we see anything of Chuba catching balls?  Seems like we ask our backs to do that a lot, but not much is often said about his ability in that area.  Heard good things about his ability to pick up a blitz, good one cut runner, fast . . . but nothing regarding his receiving.

[BPF]

Thanks for this and thank the gods its that time again. Excited to see how the roster shapes up.

[CarolinaLivin]

 

 

[t96]

Lack of autograph availability is a huge deal for a lot of the people with kids who would normally go.

[Scott12345]

1 hour ago, Mr. Scot said:

Thing about Bonnafon is I'm not sure he can stay healthy in increased action.

He looks good, but there's that dreaded "when healthy" qualifier. 

When he was in the field last year he was pretty good

[Craig Cartner]

Thanks for the input. Can't wait for the season to start.

[Scott12345]

19 minutes ago, CarolinaLivin said:

 

 

It’s outside

and way too many restrictions 

[CarolinaLivin]

1 minute ago, Scott12345 said:

It’s outside

and way too many restrictions 

I'll give you the restrictions, but this isn't the first year it's been hot

Just goes to show the difference from when Cam was here to Darnold. Darnold will have to earn that hype.

 

Cam had that fan interaction and people just loved him. Sam just needs to focus on improving his game.

 

But I wasn't there so I can't really say for sure. Just my opinion. 

[Zod]

Winning cures everything.