During Monday’s practice the Carolina Panthers defense looked in top form against Bryce Young and the offense. During the 1st play of 11 on 11 Bryce Young was picked off over the middle by undrafted rookie DB Demani Richardson from Texas A&M. “The growth these guys are making, the communication level, the anticipation level, all of those things are just really speeding up” Panthers Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero said after being asked about the play of Richardson and other players. Shortly after the pick, Richardson broke up a pass in the end zone from Jack Plummer.
After plenty of celebrating and dancing by the defense the pads quickly came off and the tempo of practice was slowed. When questioned about why the pads were taken off Evero explained “I don’t know the answer to that. I just do as I am told that’s the plan the head coach wanted so I just went with it”.
Not all is lost for the offense WR Terrace Marshall Jr. and RB Raheem Blackshear saw Plenty of run and looked serviceable. Xavier Legette returned to practice and was active in drills. Panthers TE Jordan Matthews still has a lot of hope for Bryce Young. “Bryce has always been talented! He’s always been able to make the throws hes a great leader”!
The Panthers offense has a lot to work on during the joint practice with the New York Jets. The Jets were the 2nd best passing defense last year. The Panthers will have a joint practice with them on Thursday and a preseason game against them Saturday.