- No Free Handouts
Dave Canales stressed how he “wants guys to earn their place”. Rookie wide receiver, Xavier Legette, was frustrated with his performance on the opening day of training camp, but bounced back on Day 2 with a flurry of contested catches. Jaycee Horn has been a revelation for Legette, showing him how physicality can’t always be used to win 1-on-1 matchups, footwork and technical ability will come into play as well.
Canales is impressed with what Legette has shown thus far, but Diontae Johnson’s body of work supersedes the highlight play potential of Legette.
- Kicker Battle In Full Swing
When asked about naming a full-time starting kicker, Canales responded “I learned this from [Pete Carroll]. Don’t make the decision until the last possible time that you have to so you can keep gathering information. The evaluation process continues, I’d like to drag that out as long as possible so they can show us what they can do.”
Eddie Pineiro kicked well on the opening day of training camp, but Harrison Mevis got the opportunity to showcase his abilities on Day 2. The Panthers’ kicking competition is shaping up to be a big headline as training camp ramps up.
- Ball Security Is Priority #1
The Panthers dealt with rain for three-quarters of practice, possibly leading to a fumble inside the 10-yard line from Diontae Johnson, and stumble from defensive back Xavier Woods during 1-on-1 drills. Johnson voiced his displeasure with how the offense closed practice, feeling as if their intensity waned as the weather worsened.
“I feel like towards the end of practice we could have finished strong. We started strong, but we have to continue to carry that energy throughout practice…urgency is a big key in that factor, we’re still learning it’s only Day 2, we still have a lot of room to grow.”
