One practice of Panthers 2019 training camp is in the books and a couple of things are clear. First, Cam Newton’s cannon of a right arm is back, evidenced by two 40-plus-yard throws downfield. Second, the defense up front is going to be something special to watch. After practice, second-year cornerback Donte Jackson told the media the team’s new defensive front seven is crazy.
While Newton’s deep balls got most of the attention after last night’s practice, that vaunted front seven unit made some impressive plays of its own. On the very first snap of team drills, Newton’s short pass was deflected by edge rusher Mario Addison, picked off by linebacker Shaq Thompson and run back for a touchdown.
The play serves as a reminder of how scary-talented Carolina’s front seven is. It better be.
After all, the Panthers are spending more money on their defensive line than any other team in the league by a significant margin. If their three-man front is not dominant, they’re not getting their money’s worth.
As expected, the new three-man line features Dontari Poe in the middle. Kawann Short and Gerald McCoy will play 3-4 ends next to him. The starting edge spots are occupied by Addison and Bruce Irvin. Thompson and Luke Kuechly will play the inside linebacker positions.
Coach Ron Rivera has said he plans to have a hybrid defense and mix it up depending on the situation, but the closer we get to the season the more apparent it becomes that this will be more of a 3-4 than a 4-3.
Whatever the formations are, Rivera has more than enough talent to make an elite front seven. If Jackson and the rest of the back end can hold up their end of the bargain, this defense has the potential to be crazy indeed.
