Five days at Panthers 2019 training camp are now in the books.
Here are five takeaways from today’s practice.
Cam Newton goes through another normal workday
Heading into camp, coach Ron Rivera told reporters Newton would be on a pitch count. He rested his shoulder on Saturday but has thrown at every other practice, including today’s. Newton’s new, tighter throwing motion and his long pass accuracy have both drawn praise from observers.
Here’s a look at Newton completing a pass to second-year wide receiver D.J. Moore for a touchdown.
Newton earned strong reviews yet again for his performance.
As for the backup competition, those reps continue to rotate between Will Grier and Kyle Allen. Today was Grier’s turn with the second-team offense. He showed off his deep ball again with a beautiful bomb to Aldrick Robinson.
There’s a good chance the Panthers will carry three quarterbacks on their roster this year. Right now, our best guess is that they will be Newton, Grier and Kyle Allen.
Ron Rivera takes an interest in running backs
Rivera is a defensive-minded kind of coach, but today he got a close look at the running backs.
Christian McCaffrey played 91 percent of the team’s offensive snaps last season. While he should continue to be the foundation of Norv Turner’s rushing and passing attacks, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the team try to lighten that load a bit.
With their fifth-round pick, Carolina selected Florida running back Jordan Scarlett. Over the weekend, he was spotted going far downfield on routes. Scarlett didn’t catch many passes in college, but if he can develop quick in this area of the game the backup RB job will be his.
The remaining RB spots on the roster will go to either Cameron Artis-Payne, Reggie Bonnafon or undrafted free agent Elijah Holyfield.
WR Chris Hogan out, two DTs back in
Next, a few minor injury updates. Wide receiver Chris Hogan left Sunday’s practice early and was not participating today. Joe Person at the Athletic reports he has a tight back.
Hogan led all NFL wide receivers in average yards of separation at target last season. He should be a valuable downfield weapon for Newton this year, assuming QB1’s shoulder holds up.
On the bright side, veteran defensive tackle Kyle Love was back in action after sitting out a couple days with an insignificant leg injury. So was Gerald McCoy after a vet day off.
Off the field, McCoy has made himself an extremely popular player in a short amount of time. After practice, he’s been reported to cross the fence to sign autographs for any fan who wants one. He’s also volunteered to carry helmets for his teammates, even the rookies.
Secondary updates
Two of the biggest position battles at camp this year are at free safety and nickel cornerback. Ross Cockrell finally returned from last year’s leg injury over the weekend and has been getting work at both positions.
Rashaan Gaulden is Cockrell’s main competition at safety, while Corn Elder and Cole Luke appear to be the other contenders at nickel.
Meanwhile, Kevon Seymour is in line to backup James Bradberry and Donte Jackson on the outside. He had a PBU today in the end zone.
Lines look the same, edges rotating
The starting offensive and defensive line units appear to be locked in right now. At every practice it’s been the same five up front on both sides.
There are some wrinkles to report, though. Today Mario Addison and Bruce Irvin rotated on the edges, offering some different looks for the defense.
Addison gave rookie Greg Little some trouble today.
Little has been running with the second-string offensive line, while Daryl Williams starts at left tackle.
In between Addison and Irvin there’s Kawann Short, Dontari Poe and Gerald McCoy. That group represents the most expensive defensive line in the NFL this year.
The Panthers get tomorrow off and resume practice Wednesday morning.
