Five Biggest O.t.a. Goals For Carolina - Joe Person

[Guest Bwood]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/05/21/3257955/five-biggest-ota-goals-for-panthers.html

For lazy:

Continue evolving around Cam Newton

Rivera says he’s not worried about a sophomore slump for Newton, last year’s NFL Rookie of the Year. Rivera’s confidence stems from Newton’s strong work ethic. But Rivera also believes the addition of fullback Mike Tolbert will help diversify the league’s seventh-ranked offense in 2011. Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski is a gifted play-caller who will not sleep on last year’s success.

Stay healthy

Defensive end Charles Johnson, recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, is the only starter listed as out. Linebackers Jon Beason and Thomas Davis and defensive tackle Ron Edwards are limited, and likely won’t do much. The second of Davis’ three ACL tears in his right knee occurred while backpedaling during an OTA drill two years ago.

Find the right fits at linebacker

Rivera says Luke Kuechly, the Panthers’ first-round pick, will work at weakside linebacker, allowing Beason to keep his preferred spot in the middle – at least initially. Kuechly and Beason will get reps at both spots, but it will be hard to develop much chemistry until the pads come on and the pace picks up in training camp.

Pick up the pressure

With Johnson out, it will mean more reps for the other defensive ends, whose production slipped at the end of last season. Frank Alexander, a fourth-round pick from Oklahoma, and free agent pick-up Jyles Tucker will challenge Greg Hardy, Thomas Keiser and Antwan Applewhite for spots in the DE rotation. After last season’s dismal defensive showing, look for coordinator Sean McDermott to use more stunts and blitzes.

Shore up the special teams

This will be an ongoing process, one that started in the offseason when the Panthers hired Richard Rodgers as an assistant special teams coach and added several players with strong special teams backgrounds. Rookie punt returner Joe Adams and punter Brad Nortman will draw the most media attention, but the behind-the-scenes work on the coverage and protection teams will be just as critical.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/05/21/3257955/five-biggest-ota-goals-for-panthers.html#storylink=cpy

Discuss?

[KillerKat]

Never!

[Darth Biscuit]

All of those things are great, but keeping players healthy is the key. The years we've had good runs, we've been healthy, it's pretty simple.

[KittyLover]

Heathy Healthy Healthy. I don't want to open up the Huddle and read " _____ tears _____ . Out for season."

[SN03]

All of those things are great, but keeping players healthy is the key. The years we've had good runs, we've been healthy, it's pretty simple.

ie: '05

Arguably the best team we ever had. Wheels fell off in the playoffs due to injuries.

[EMSMedic79]

Yep injuries always define our season. Hopefully this is the year it moves on.

[Snake]

Battle at safety should have been up there as well.

[panthers90]

Heathy Healthy Healthy. I don't want to open up the Huddle and read " _____ tears _____ . Out for season."

I wouldn't mind reading- "Brees tears labia. Out for season."

[KBlizz]

"Johnson being the only one listed as out." that is just for OTA's, right? i just haven't heard anything about that whatsoever.

[Ivan The Awesome]

The Pressure point... that's what I'd like to see unravel.