The Carolina Panthers are six days away from playing their first exhibition game against the Indianapolis Colts. The team is taking training camp more seriously now than ever before and practicing with extreme passion. Here are a few notable takeaways from the press that were covering the practice at Wofford College today.
1. Darnold, Grier got there first – Coach Matt Rhule emphasized that he wants Sam Darnold to focus on being the signal caller for the team and set an example for the rest of his teammates by being the first one at practice and the last one to leave. Daronld along with backup quarterback Will Grier established the tone for the team by doing just that.
Both quarterbacks are finding their way. Darnold is getting comfortable with his playmakers, especially his tight ends and receivers, while Grier has been taking more snaps with the second-stringers, allowing him to get a rhythm with them as well. Darnold had another good practice on Monday, showing his ability to be a dual-threat quarterback.
2. Anderson is back – Wide receiver Robby Anderson made his return to practice Monday after sitting out due to a family matter. While Anderson was away, rookie receiver Terrace Marshall took the majority of his snaps. However, Anderson did not show any residual affects today. He made a spectacular one-handed catch for a 20-yard touchdown.
3. Red jerseys prominent – Carolina has more players dealing with nagging injuries. The latest added to the injury list and wearing red no-contact jerseys are offensive lineman Cameron Erving and linebacker Clay Johnston.
Erving was in the lead to have the Panthers starting left tackle job, while Johnston has been filling in for several middle linebackers that have been out.
Shaq Thompson is back at full strength, with no limitations at practice, but Darius Clark, Denzel Perryman and A.J. Bouye are still on the mend from their injuries.
4. Moton back at left tackle – Many offensive linemen were not in attendance for Monday’s practice for various reasons. Dennis Daley and Matt Paradis both had excused absences, while Cameron Erving was out due to injury. That changed the look of the offensive line first-team and challenged their depth.
Right tackle Taylor Moton showed his versatility again and took the place or Erving on Darnold’s blind side. When Moton switches positions, the Panthers have been using Brady Christensen as the right tackle.
