The Carolina Panthers kicked off their 2023 edition of training camp with a bit of big news.
For that and more, check out our top takeaways and observations from the first day in Spartanburg:
Bryce Young is QB1
As if there was any doubt, the No. 1 overall pick is the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart. Head coach Frank Reich confirmed that Young is the Panthers’ starter under center:
“Yes, he’s QB1. He is QB1.”
Reich also gave his thoughts on Young’s first training camp outing:
“I thought he threw the ball on time. There were a couple throws you guys probably saw, there was one or two that were super early. Completion to DJ Chark on a deep out route, got a little pressure, had to get it out super early. Great to show the ability to do that. Sometimes, it doesn’t always come out the way you draw it up. But there was a couple of examples of that today.”
Panthers will continue to explore Laviska Shenault's versatility
Reich noted that he and his staff will search for ways to best utilize Shenault, who took some reps out of the backfield on Wednesday:
“We do think Laviska’s a guy that can be versatile. And I think as an offensive staff, we’ve all had experience with guys that we’ve had. But we have to look at Laviska for him, and for how it fits in our offense. So we’ll dip our toe in the water in some of that stuff and see how it goes.”
There are 'big plans' for the TE room
Carolina hasn’t gotten much from production the tight end position in recent seasons, having seen the spot amass just 1,173 receiving yards and six touchdowns over the last three years combined. But Reich believes there are big things ahead for the bunch:
“Yeah, Hayden looked good. He was limited, right? Much of the offseason. And he’s got a lot of energy, juice, passion. You feel it out there. He’s a versatile player. We really see Hayden as a guy who can do it all at that position.
“That whole room, though, we’re excited about. They all have a role. We like that. They each have certain strengths that we can emphasize and continue to talk to that room about we have big plans for them. But we gotta roll it out day by day.”
Brian Burns believes his new role will allow him to make more plays
The two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher will be transitioning from a defensive end to an outside linebacker in the team’s new 3-4 scheme. And Burns thinks that fresh look will open up a whole lot more for him:
“I think it’ll showcase my IQ more than anything. I mean, physically, it’s so much more you could do at my position. But I think it’ll showcase my IQ more than anything, just because of the disguises and really mappin’ out and understandin’ formations.
“Like, I think I can make more plays in that type of role. Now I have a little freedom to move about over the slot, back, up, it doesn’t really matter. I just feel like me being able to disguise the way I want to can probably open up some opportunities for me.”
Being named starter is a 'huge blessing' for Bryce Young
Moments after Reich anointed his guy, Young gave his thoughts on Wednesday’s big news:
“That means a lot. That’s a huge blessing. I always trust the coaches and I wanna do everything I can to play whatever role it is I’m called on to help the team. So that means a lot.
“For me, it doesn’t change my approach. Make sure that I take things day by day. There’s a lot I want to keep growing in, keep improving in, a lot to learn. And we’re all in it as a team, in this together.”
Jonathan Mingo and Bryce Young are building up their connection
The second-round wideout talked a bit about the growing relationship with his fellow rookie:
“It’s been goin’ real good. Just tryin’ to pick his brain, he’s tryin’ to pick mine. He’s tryin’ to get our timing down. I went out there to California with him for the offseason for one week to train with him. So we worked on our connection out there. Just try to pick his brain about the timing and what he’s tryin’ to do and what window he’s tryin’ to hit me in. So it’s goin’ pretty good.”
Mingo also described what type of leader Young has been:
“He’s vocal. Not vocal as most quarterbacks, but he always take the blame for everything. Some quarterbacks like to try to put the blame on others, but he’s always takin’ the blame for everything. Tryin’ to be a good guy. He talks to everybody. Sometimes you talk to him, you won’t even know he’s a quarterback on the team—just tryin’ to talk to you like you’re one of the guys. He’s a real good leader. He leads by example. He speaks when he needs to.”
Notable observations
First on the field: Miles Sanders. pic.twitter.com/TWXec8wLdI
— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) July 26, 2023
Bryce Young is here. pic.twitter.com/W82zzVCgUU
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 26, 2023
A message from our guy 9️⃣ pic.twitter.com/uxXA1amZe0
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) July 26, 2023
You’ll see more Guardian Caps this his year. Now required for every camp and preseason practice and in the regular season for practices with contact.
The league expanded their use this year. Everyone but K/P/QB/WR/DBs have to wear them as a safety measure. pic.twitter.com/h9uJsKZ4MV
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) July 26, 2023
Frank Reich getting ready for a triumphant return to Spartanburg. pic.twitter.com/CNvtuS4fHB
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) July 26, 2023
🔥Heat Alert🔥
Brian Burns’ Spida Visor pic.twitter.com/fvV8lwAALF
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) July 26, 2023
Jeremy Chinn doing individual drills with the defensive backs, although there will be a lot of cross training I would think.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 26, 2023
#Panthers third-round pick DJ Johnson during edge drills. pic.twitter.com/YX2RBXAYfT
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 26, 2023
First pick of camp: Kamu Grugier-Hill picks off Andy Dalton’s first pass of 11 on 11 with second-team defense. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 26, 2023
Jaycee Horn moves to side field after individual work. He’s cleared to go, but they traditionally manage reps for guys coming off injuries.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) July 26, 2023
Andy Dalton airs it out for Derek “Better Be” Wright on a massive gain that would have gone for a TD during 11 on 11. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 26, 2023
Rookie connections ↔️ pic.twitter.com/9VuIuidJen
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) July 26, 2023
Bryce Young ➡️ Adam Thielen connection toward the fan sideline… Roars from the crowd
— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) July 26, 2023
Kobe Jones already has two “would be” sacks in roughly 10 pass rush reps. He’s been mixing in with the 1s. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 26, 2023
Loudest applause of the day, so far, comes after Young completes about a 40-45 yard completion to Chark.
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) July 26, 2023
Young ➡️ Chark
Another 30+ yard connection for the two.
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) July 26, 2023
