The Carolina Panthers just wrapped up another practice at 2020 training camp.
Here are eight takeaways from tonight’s annual “Fanfest” at Bank of America Stadium, minus the fans.
‘There’s a lot of hurt’
There are bigger things than sports going on right now.
The Milwaukee Bucks decided to boycott tonight’s playoff game against the Orlando Magic following another unjustified police shooting, this time in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Several other professional teams – including some in MLB – also canceled their games today.
Coach Matt Rhule says the team talked about Jacob Blake’s shooting today and there’s a lot of hurt, emotion and anger, but they made the decision to come out and practice.
Matt Rhule on broadcast: We talked today as a team about the Jacob Blake shooting … there’s a lot of hurt, emotion and anger … they made the decision to come out and practice … all of us need to take a minute to think about what’s going on cause something needs to change.
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) August 26, 2020
Players around the league (including former Carolina safety Eric Reid) have commended the NBA for taking their stand, raising the prospect of boycotts once the football season begins. These incidents are going to keep happening until there is fundamental police reform, so don’t be shocked if some NFL games get postponed this year.
During the practice broadcast, linebacker Shaq Thompson said there are plans to “do something” as an organization.
A rebound for Joey Slye
During Tuesday’s practice, kicker Joey Slye only made one of his five field goal attempts. To be fair, one of them was blocked by cornerback Donte Jackson, but obviously the team wants to see more consistency from Slye, especially now that he’s officially replaced Graham Gano.
Good news: tonight was a rebound for Slye, who started off strong.
Joey Slye starting out better today by making his first 2 FGs.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 26, 2020
Slye finished the evening 3/3.
In related news, Kaare Vedvik and Joseph Charlton split the punting duties. Vedvik took all those reps in yesterday’s practice.
Injury updates
Several players did not participate in this fanless fanfest.
First, wide receiver Seth Roberts remains in the concussion protocol. However, he’s wearing a green jersey, which means he’s making progress.
Seth Roberts, who’s in the concussion protocol, has a green jersey on tonight. That means he’s advancing, but not yet cleared for contact.
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) August 26, 2020
The Panthers signed two receivers today to help deal with their slew of recent injuries at this position: Cam Phillips and Darrell Stewart Jr.
Center Tyler Larsen missed his third straight session due to a strained calf.
Panthers C Tyler Larsen is wearing a red jersey. He’s out tonight with a strained calf.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) August 26, 2020
Defensive end Marquis Haynes, cornerback Eli Apple and wide receiver Tommylee Lewis were also among those who did not practice.
Tyler Larsen (calf) is out on the bike tonight. DE Marquis Haynes is still out. I don’t see CB Eli Apple or WR Tommylee Lewis.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) August 26, 2020
Like Roberts, Haynes is also in the concussion protocol. Apple has a tight hamstring. There’s no word yet on what’s wrong with Lewis.
Luke Kuechly makes an appearance
The greatest linebacker of this generation may no longer be on the field. He is still a presence around the building, though. Luke Kuechly was spotted on the sidelines wearing a mask.
Luuuuuukkkke. pic.twitter.com/VG90XT4UQc
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 26, 2020
Kuechly is now a pro scout for the Panthers. Several new defensive players have told the media they have been picking his brain since they arrived.
Four rookies starting on defense
Getting advice from Kuechly is a smart idea, because this group needs all the help they can get. The Panthers are likely going to field the youngest defense the NFL has seen in a decade. With such an inexperienced group of players, defensive coordinator Phil Snow will have no choice but to rely heavily on his 2020 draft class.
On that note, four rookies were spotted wearing black jerseys, which means they are starting on defense. David Newton at ESPN reports that defensive tackle Derrick Brown, linebacker/safety Jeremy Chinn, defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos and cornerback Troy Pride Jr. were all sporting black jerseys tonight.
There’s still time for the veterans to earn those starting spots, though.
Two defensive linemen stand out
Reporters liked what they saw from two of the team’s less-heralded veteran defensive linemen.
Joe Person at the Atheltic counted two sacks for Stephen Weatherly, who Pro Football Focus is projecting will start opposite Brian Burns rather than Gross-Matos.
Panthers' primetime practice a wrap:
-All 3 QBs had long completions, none more than Grier.
-Stephen Weatherly had 2 sacks, and nearly a third.
-Joey Slye 3-for-3 on FGs after a 1-4 day Tues.
-Cole Luke w/ an INT on a pass that caromed off Christian McCaffrey.— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 27, 2020
Weatherly’s experience and pass-rushing chops could win him the nod Week 1, but Gross-Matos probably can’t be held off too long.
Meanwhile, Alaina Getzenberg at the Charlotte Observer came away with a positive impression of backup defensive tackle Zach Kerr.
Zach Kerr has made his presence felt tonight.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) August 27, 2020
Kerr will make the 53-man roster. It’s anybody’s guess how much playing time he will see behind projected starters Kawann Short and Derrick Brown. His main competition for snaps may be sixth-round pick Bravvion Roy.
Will Grier impresses during 1-on-1 drills
At least one beat reporter came away impressed by backup quarterback Will Grier’s throws during one-on-one drills.
Will Grier was absolutely spinning it on several deep throws during one on ones.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 27, 2020
The touch on Grier’s deep ball is his greatest asset and probably the best reason why the Panthers drafted him. Here’s a look at Grier hitting wide receiver Curtis Samuel in stride with T.J. Green in coverage.
Will Grier + Curtis Samuel vs TJ Green pic.twitter.com/e7SsjMG2Co
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) August 27, 2020
This is all well and good, but if Grier hasn’t dramatically improved his processing speed during live game situations, then he won’t stand a chance of beating out P.J. Walker for the right to be Teddy Bridgewater’s first backup. Walker also drew praise for some of his throws.
Teddy + D.J. Moore’s timing looks strong
Perhaps the most important relationship for this new-look Panthers squad will be the one between Bridgewater and his No. 1 wide receiver, D.J. Moore. So far, they seem to have established a good rhythm.
Here are a couple of highlights of No. 5 finding No. 12.
Teddy Bridgewater + DJ Moore vs Troy Pride Jr. pic.twitter.com/Tss3UWyTEi
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) August 27, 2020
Get used to this 5️⃣ ➡️ 1️⃣2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/NcKUNs92qQ
— Panthers CuLTure🏁 (@PanthersCulture) August 27, 2020
After practice, coach Rhule said he liked the way that Bridgewater handled the two-minute drill.
Teddy continues to stay late long after practice is over. This evening, he was seen helping out tight end Chris Manhertz with his route running.
Practice had been over for around a half hour. Teddy Bridgewater is still out here with TE Chris Manhertz working on his route running. pic.twitter.com/dxHEU0RAxz
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) August 27, 2020
The Panthers are off tomorrow and return to work on Friday.
