Rivera: Offseason workout communication best it's been in three years

[jtnc]

With a relatively healthy defense and no collective bargaining stalemates, the Panthers are enjoying the best communication they've had in offseason workouts since Ron Rivera became the head coach.

 

In 2011, the lockout meant no organized team activities for players and coaches. Last year, with Jon Beason injured at middle linebacker, the team had a rookie in the middle trying to communicate the calls.

 

But with Luke Kuechly coming off his Defensive Rookie of the Year season in 2012, Carolina's defense under Rivera is communicated better than ever. 

 

"That’s probably one thing we’ve lacked in the first two years," Rivera said of communication. "Last year it was a new middle linebacker. Now that Luke is much more comfortable and a lot more expressive in terms of the checks and calls he has to make. That’s been really good.

 

"Guys like (safeties) D.J. Campbell and Charles Godfrey have really stepped their game up in terms of what we’re trying to do. If you want to quantify it by learning, that’s what it’s about. These guys are getting more and more comfortable in the system."

 

The starting defense is relatively healthy, with Beason participating only in individual workouts due to shoulder and knee surgeries. 

 

On the offensive side of the ball, Rivera said he's seen better, more crisp routes by the receivers and better blocking schemes on the line. 

 

Of note, Jonathan Stewart continued to be very limited during OTAs, stretching with the team and then spending most of his day on the exercise bike alongside G Edmund Kugbila (leg), WR Lamont Bryant and CB Captain Munnerlyn (abdominal strain).

 

--Jonathan Jones

 

http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/

 

:rr:

"You're 12th! 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12, you're 12th!" 

[therealmjl]

Nice.

[SCP]

What the fug is wrong with Kugbilla's ass? Get out there rookie.

[Ricky Spanish]

DJ Campbell eh?

 

I like the sound of that...

[Tarheels23]

DJ Campbell's job to lose huh?

Well at least Rivera doesnt have Nakamura pencilled in as the starter.

[Jakob]

Told y'all DJ Campbell looked legit at the end of last season.

 

[jtnc]

What the fug is wrong with Kugbilla's ass? Get out there rookie.

Otas we talkin' bout otas?

[jtnc]

DJ Campbell eh?

 

I like the sound of that...

Hopefully he has gotten better, that catch he allowed to Lance Moore left a sour taste in my mouth. 

[Zaximus]

I wonder if Stewart is EVER going to be healthy.   I'm pretty sure since we drafted him he's had some lingering issue or something.  I'm glad we drafted a RB.

[jtnc]

I wonder if Stewart is EVER going to be healthy.   I'm pretty sure since we drafted him he's had some lingering issue or something.  I'm glad we drafted a RB.

Relax. You actually expect the trainers to make him to participate in full at OTA's coming off foot surgery? 

[SCP]

Otas we talkin' bout otas?

Valuable and important time for a 4th round pick out of a DII school. If he can walk he can practice.

[therealmjl]

I like the sound of a Godfrey/Campbell tandem.

They played well to closeout the season and will be even better because of the front 7.

[jtnc]

Valuable and important time for a 4th round pick out of a DII school. If he can walk he can practice.

I was just joking, maybe he strained something? Seems like Rivera didn't give a specific reason. 

[Kuech the Sneak]

Kugbila should be ok, but missing much needed reps isn't ideal