After a fun-filled Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday night, the Carolina Panthers were back in Spartanburg for practice this morning.
Here are the top observations and takeaways from their return to Wofford College fields on Friday:
OLB competition is moving along swimmingly
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero talked about the team’s need for a pass rusher alongside Pro Bowler Brian Burns. While he did acknowledge that someone has to break through, he said he’s also content with the work from the position thus far:
“Yeah, there’s a lot of great competition there. Yetur’s [Gross-Matos] doing a great job, getting better. DJ’s [Johnson] coming along. [Amaré] Barno’s coming along. Kobe’s [Jones] is doing a great job. So as we get into camp, as we get more padded practices, as we get into the preseason games—I think it’ll tell more of the story.
“But really love the progression of those guys. But we need somebody to step up—that’s a fact. And we gotta continue to push those guys towards it.”
Panthers have a 'good idea' about how to use Jeremy Chinn
Evero also spoke on the versatility and value of safety Jeremy Chinn, who will likely be used in a number of ways this season. He didn’t lay it out precisely, but Evero said he and his staff have to put Chinn in positions where he can affect the game:
“I think we got a good idea about where he is. When you go through the whole offseason and you go through this first part of training camp—and Jeremy’s so good about communicating with the coaches and talking to the coaches, asking questions, gettin’ up and doing extra time. So I feel like we’ve developed a really good rapport with him and I think we got a good feeling of where he’s at.”
Defensive line is building up chemistry (and jokes)
Shy Tuttle gave us a small inside look at how the team’s new-look defensive front is coming along:
“One word?!? We can’t be described off one word. Funny, maybe? Yeah, let’s say funny.”
He was then asked who the group’s biggest jokester is:
“Derrick Brown is probably the biggest [expletive] talker amongst the D-line. I wasn’t allowed to say that word?
“I can’t come in the meeting room without him talking about me. Like, it’s crazy. And you guys, ‘Derrick is so quiet.’ I’m like, ‘No, he’s not.’”
Notable observations
OLB Haynes and CB Wright still on the sidelines.
CJ Henderson is in uniform after missing a couple of days with a groin issue.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) August 4, 2023
Cam Erving running with first team at RT with Taylor Moton taking the day off. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 4, 2023
🎱🎱🎱 pic.twitter.com/G5QxNmabKB
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 4, 2023
Brian Burns with a would be sack on Bryce Young, beat Erving to force a stop to play in 11 on 11. Reich gave Burns a high five.
Next play, OL holds well and Young hits Mingo on an out route.#Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 4, 2023
Bryce Young goes 3-for-4 with a sack by Brian Burns in the Panthers’ first team drill.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 4, 2023
Terrace Marshall makes a great catch from Bryce Young but out of bounds.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 4, 2023
Eku Leota just worked Ickey Ekwonu to the ground and then got a would be sack on Bryce Young.
The rookie comes back with an excellent back shoulder strike to DJ Chark for a touchdown in red zone. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 4, 2023
Eku Leota with another clear pressure with the third-team. Can’t ignore the undrafted guy anymore. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 4, 2023
Chuba Hubbard running w/ a purpose at camp. Looks good in this system
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) August 4, 2023
After taking a coverage sack, Bryce Young throws the ball angrily to the ground. First real sign of frustration we’ve seen from him here this camp.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 4, 2023
Dalton w a nice boundary throw, pressure in face, to Shi Smith, who makes a helluva leaping grab.
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) August 4, 2023
Bryce Young is now 6-for-8 in team drills but he has been under more pressure than normal. I count four sacks and a couple of scrambles.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 4, 2023
That’s a wrap. Bryce Young was 6-8 with a touchdown. No interceptions.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 4, 2023
