Carolina Panthers coach Matt Rhule was less than thrilled about how his team practiced with the Indianapolis Colts Thursday. Yesterday’s practice showed lack of energy and execution from his team. Let’s see if the Panthers second joint workout panned out any better. Here are some takeaways from Friday’s practice as they prepare for Sunday’s preseason opener.
1. C.J. Saunders stands out – The Panthers, as a whole, did not practice well on Thursday. The wide receivers left a bad taste in coach Rhule’s mouth along with the rest of the coaching staff. He told the media yesterday after practice that the receivers were not organized, they missed key assignments and they put undue pressure on their quarterbacks.
There was, however, an exception, C.J. Saunders. Rhule noted that Saunders was a “football player”. That is a huge compliment for any player to receive from a head coach.
Saunders, who has earned such compliments throughout training camp due to his great playing ability, continued to impress Rhule today. Saunders beat the Colts corner Isaiah Rodgers on a post route to the end zone. He scored again on a touchdown pass from backup quarterback P.J. Walker.
With many receivers at Carolina’s disposal, Saunders picked a tough season to try and crack the rotation. He has several ways that he can be utilized, which may help him stay in the running when they begin to cut players.
2. Chuba Hubbard shows his worth – Chuba Hubbard is taking advantage of his opportunity as a kick returner. Carolina’s fourth-round draft selection had some impressive runbacks on two kickoffs. One of them resulted in an amazing trip to the end zone for a touchdown. On the very next kickoff return by wide receiver David Moore, he was able to go all the way down to the Colts’ 15-yardline (red zone). Hubbard then took another return to the 50-yardline much to the chagrin of the Indianapolis crowd.
When you are a backup, especially to a great player like Christian McCaffrey, you have to carve your own niche. That holds true with the Panthers, because Rule and offensive coordinator Joe Brady feel good about their running backs.
For example, the fourth-year running back Trenton Cannon is turning himself into a pass catcher for the team. He was charted as a wide receiver in the first depth chart release. Hubbard has to find a way to make his impact. While he may have to be behind McCaffrey, he could use his skills at other positions on the field such as kicker or punt returner.
3. The Panthers are getting intense – The Panthers were definitely ready to go on Friday. Some of their aggressiveness spilled over into several altercations with the Colts.
One brief skirmish happened when McCaffrey was tackled to the ground after another impressive run. The Panthers offensive line did not take kindly to the aggressive nature of the hit and had McCaffrey’s back.
A few more significant fights broke out between the Panthers defense and the Colts offense. The teams were still upset behind yesterday’s events between cornerback Jaycee Horn and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and also some trash talking during red zone drill.
Safety Jeremy Chinn, in one particular incident, took down Colts running back Jordan Wilkins with a horse-collar tackle. Rookie receiver Shi Smith threw a haymaker in a separate dispute. This is most likely not what Rhule meant when he mentioned energy.
Training camp fights are mostly uncalled for, not professional and can become an injury risk factor. On the other hand, sometimes these altercations can bring teams together. Although fights are not advised, there are times when they can be used as a break through moment, especially for young teams trying to become as one.
