The Panthers have completed their first day of mandatory minicamp in preparation of the 2019 NFL season.
Here’s a few takeaways from the team and the media.
1. Cam Newton’s new mechanics
The top headline of the day is all about Carolina’s franchise quarterback being back under the spotlight. For the first time in months, Newton threw the ball with his teammates, albeit limited to individual drills and stationary targets.
Newton’s new-look delivery got some good reviews from observers.
Here’s the tape of Newton’s day from the team’s live stream.
A tighter, more compact motion should help take some stress off Newton’s twice operated on throwing shoulder, at least in theory.
In related news, third-round pick Will Grier also drew some praise for his work today.
2. Gerald McCoy has jokes
The other big story of the day was the arrival of the team’s biggest acquisition of the offseason, former Buccaneers DT Gerald McCoy.
In addition to being one of the most consistent interior defensive linemen in the league, apparently McCoy also has jokes. He told reporters that he can also play safety.
McCoy also joked about the humidity in Tampa compared to Charlotte.
As expected, McCoy lined up next to Dontari Poe on the opposite side of Kawann Short in Carolina’s 3-4 sets. In the 4-3 alignments, he lined up inside next to Short with Bruce Irvin and Mario Addison on the edges.
McCoy signed a one-year deal worth up to $10.25 million. His addition should give Carolina a legitimate claim to having the best defensive line in the NFL right now.
3. Christian McCaffrey sets a big individual goal
Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is coming off a magnificent second pro season, totaling nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards.
This year, McCaffrey wants to actually meet that mark. He told reporters his first priority is winning, but as far as personal goals go he wants to get 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving this year.
McCaffrey came extremely close to those marks last season, so it’s not an unreasonable goal at all. The question will be if the team really wants to continue its heavy usage rate for McCaffrey – he played over 90 percent of their offensive snaps in 2018.
4. Julius Peppers and David Tepper watched
There were a couple of celebrities on the sidelines taking in everything. Owner David Tepper and former defensive end Julius Peppers were seen talking together.
Peppers announced his retirement from the NFL back in February. The Panthers recently hired him in a brand ambassador and business assistant kind of role.
5. Injury updates
While there are no major or minor injuries to report, there are a few small attendance notes. First, tight end Ian Thomas was wearing a helmet for the first time in a while and worked on the side with trainers.
After practice, coach Ron Rivera told reporters Thomas would be back to 100 percent by training camp.
Next, veteran wide receiver Torrey Smith was also working on the side with a helmet on. He missed a significant portion of the 2018 season with a leg injury.
Smith recently took a $2 million pay cut, which helped the team free up enough room to sign McCoy.
Rookie linebacker/defensive end Christian Miller also continues to work on the side with trainers.
Last but not least, second-year linebacker Jermaine Carter Jr. was held out as a precautionary measure due to knee soreness.
The Panthers will practice again on Wednesday and Thursday before taking their annual summer break.
