The Carolina Panthers and the Indianapolis Colts are getting ready for their regular-season openers by going head-to-head in joint practices.
Starting Thursday afternoon, the Panthers and coach Matt Rhule visited Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana to take on the Colts. Here are a few observations of the Panther’s first practice against another team.
1. Terrace Marshall Jr. keeps improving – There are certain players, when you see them on the field, they look unique and special. Terrace Marshall Jr. comes across as one of those type of players.
Carolina’s second-round rookie draft pick continues to show what he can do. He was able to make a nice two-handed grab over the top of Colts’ cornerback Anthony Chesley to start the one-on-one drills. It is called “Getting Moss’d…”
Last weekend, Rhule stated to the media the offense will seek to “force-feed” Marshall. This shows how they feel about Marshall and the respect he has gained from the coach and staff. The fact that he is versatile and can line up in different places on the field, makes this an easy decision.
2. Left tackle up in the air – Coach Rhule also said earlier in camp that starting right tackle Taylor Moton would receive some snaps at left tackle. That was not a shock to anyone because would-be starter Cameron Erving was out with an injury. Even with Erving back and Greg Little competing for snaps, Moton is still getting playing time protecting Sam Darnold’s blindside.
While all three of them received opportunities on Thursday, Moton was able to control the left tackle position very well. Trent Scott took Moton’s place at the right tackle spot. He was the Panthers’ left tackle for a quarter of the season last year.
With Erving and Little unable to stand out for now, will Moton start the season at the left tackle spot? Another question is, does it make sense to take a great right tackle out of his natural position and somewhat compromise him at left tackle?
3. Defenders excel – The horses of the Carolina defense most likely will be defensive end Brian Burns, defensive tackle Derrick Brown, safety Jeremy Chinn and cornerback Jaycee Horn. Each of those players showed why they are the backbone and the long-term answer on defense.
Burns, who is on his way to being a super star, has always shown his assortment of pass-rushing moves during his short two years in the NFL. He did not leave anything on the field against the Colts’ injured offensive line. Burns showed his speed and athleticism by moving blockers out of the way.
There was a six-foot-five, 320 pound pit bull on the field. He goes by the name Derrick Brown. Talk about manhandling…
Jeremy Chinn joined the party as well, with a massive hit on a third-down stop. Chin, once again, showed his playmaking, game-changing skills that were on display all of last year.
Last but by no means least, rookie backup Joe Horn did what a real antagonist of a corner would do. He got into a skirmish with Colts’ receiver Michael Pittman Jr. He played good defense on the Colt’s receivers, even forcing a pass deflection during first-team drills.
The Panthers continue their joint practice with the Colts Friday at 4:00 p.m. ET, at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana.
