The Carolina Panthers received a day off Sunday after a late Saturday practice. Monday morning, they were back on the grid iron at Wofford College, starting Week 2 of their training camp schedule.
Here are some news and notes from the media that covered today’s practice.
Matt Rhule’s before-practice speech – Coach Rhule was not happy with the way the Panthers performed on Saturday night. He put emphasis on their over-aggressiveness in spite of the fact that the teams have a limited-contact rule at this point of training camp. Today he started practice with a passionate, in-depth speech, looking for a better outcome.
An off-day for the quarterbacks – It wasn’t the finest hour for the Panthers signal callers. Sam Darnold was picked off by corner Jaycee Horn. The pass went off tight end Ian Thomas’ hands. Darnold then threw a pass behind wide receiver Robby Anderson. Those sequences led to another conversation between the team and coach Rhule. Jaycee Horn had another interception, this time thrown by back-up quarterback PJ Walker. Darnold was also intercepted by Sean Chandler. While it is wonderful to see Horn getting experience, you would like to see Darnold perform better, especially limiting interceptions. He has thrown 39 in 38 games.
Shaq Thompson returned – Linebacker Shaq Thompson left practice early Saturday night due to tightness in his lower body. He was back at practice on Monday, but he was wearing a green jersey, which meant he was limited in what he could do. Denzel Perryman has been taking Thompson’s snaps.
A.J. Bouye was hurt – This may be the first significant injury of the Panthers 2021 training camp. Long time cornerback A.J. Bouye suffered an apparent left leg injury during today’s practice and was examined by trainers. He then went for further observation at the team’s medical tent. He did not return to practice. Bouye is scheduled to start at the nickel corner spot once his two-game suspension has been lifted. The suspension is carrying over from last season for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Omar Bayless shines – The diamond in the rough of last year’s training camp is at it again. After being forced to spend the entire 2020 campaign on injured reserve, wide receiver Omar Bayless has been turning heads and opening eyes at training camp. Today was no different. Bayless was able to come up with a nice one-handed catch in one-on-one drills.
Sloppiness ruled the day – The signal callers were not the only ones having a rough one. Laps had to be run after several skill players on the offensive side of the football made errors. The players included left tackle Cam Erving, wide receivers D.J. Moore and Shi Smith, running back Chuba Hubbard, tight end Ian Thomas and guard John Miller.
Tuesday will be more intense because it will be the first practice where the players will be required to wear pads. Expect a lot more physicality.
