After a thrilling start to training camp on Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers returned to the field at Wofford College for their second practice this morning.
Here are the top takeaways and observations from the session:
Offense has a second-half lull
Despite a solid start, the Panthers offense stalled during the second half of practice. Quarterback Bryce Young threw his first interception of the summer while also taking a sack and fumbling a handoff to running back Miles Sanders.
Head coach Frank Reich said the following about the performance:
“We’re gonna make mistakes. I thought today, the first half of the practice—this is without watching the tape—felt crisp and sharp on both sides of the ball. On all three phases, really. Special teams as well. And then about halfway through practice, at least on offense—where my eyes were a little bit more—just felt like a little bit of a lull. A few too many turnovers and mistakes. But you learn from those and you gotta bounce back.”
Shaq Thompson is impressed by Frank Reich's coaching staff
Thompson, who’s entering his ninth season in Carolina, spoke on how well he believes Reich and his staff have handled practices:
“I ain’t gonna talk about the other staff—but this staff, man, they just know how to take care of players a little bit. You see our practices—we come out here, get our work in and we get off the field. Tryin’ to beat the heat, come in, work. We gonna start doin’ situational stuff—he’s bringing in that because it’s all about situational football. Things happen. Two-minutes happen, four-minutes happen.
“So it just brings a lot of knowledge into us and makin’ sure everybody knows what they’re doin’ handlin’ situations. Nobody folds under pressure. And that’s what they’re doin’ out here for us.”
Kamu Grugier-Hill shines again
Grugier-Hill made his second interception in as many days. Thompson also had some praise for his fellow linebacker:
“Kamu’s one of those guys that’s just like a silent killer. They brought him in for special teams, but I definitely think he’s gonna be one of those guys—they gotta put him on the field somehow, some way. He’s been making plays, he’s fast, he’s smart, he’s a veteran. I feel like you gotta find a way to get everybody on the field, and you definitely gotta find a way to get him on the field.”
DJ Chark also shines again
If Grugier-Hill has been the star on defense, Chark has been the one on offense. The sixth-year wide receiver reeled in another deep ball on Thursday, and credited his early playmaking to the connection with his rookie quarterback:
“Those plays, sometimes it’s audible. That’s what the play is. But if I know there’s a chance to attack, we’re probably gonna attack. I know that’s his mentality.”
Ikem Ekwonu is feeling more confident at second camp
What’s the biggest difference for Ekwonu in Spartanburg in Year No. 2? The rising left tackle says it’s all about his feel for the pros:
“I think just confidence overall. Obviously, last year as a rookie, there’s a lot of things I didn’t know, I don’t know—technique-wise, practice-wise, everything like that. So, kinda havin’ a good feel about how to practice, good feel about my technique, just more confident overall as a player.”
Notable observations
It’s early, which means it’s Miles Sanders time. pic.twitter.com/iApK3UcEgr
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) July 27, 2023
New #Panthers WR Javon Wims (No. 13) walking with former Cardinals teammate Josh Thomas to start the day. pic.twitter.com/adIklf2W3z
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 27, 2023
Attendance update: Everyone accounted for, even Redmond, Zavala and Penisini, who are on PUP. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 27, 2023
Brian Burns working on coverage stuff with OLB coach Tem Lukabu
Yesterday when I asked Burns what he’s looking forward to showcasing the most in the switch to 3-4 defense, he said “My IQ”#Panthers pic.twitter.com/Gi8fNzFo13
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) July 27, 2023
OLB Marquis Haynes getting some attention in the athletic training tent, getting stretched out.
He’s lining up with the starters opposite Burns, so that’s an important one to keep an eye on.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) July 27, 2023
Laviska Shenault taking individual drills with the RBs. He’s going to touch the ball a good bit this year.
He was in the backfield during yesterday’s team drills, lined up there and motioning into some two-back looks. A lot of different ways to use him.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) July 27, 2023
RG Austin Corbett adding some on-field drills into his rehab routine. Another step in his recovery from a torn ACL in January.
Cade Mays has been working in his spot with the starters, as Corbett isn’t expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. pic.twitter.com/3tcKkfdXaU
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) July 27, 2023
Steve Smith is here. pic.twitter.com/p2cvGdWcaY
— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) July 27, 2023
Terrace Marshall looks #fast on a crossing route completion with Bryce Young, who starts 11 on 11 with a 4 of 4 line. #panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 27, 2023
Bryce Young goes 4-4 in Panthers’ first team drill.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) July 27, 2023
The #Panthers are jumbling up their depth offensive line combinations get additional reps for backups and move them around the group for cross-training. Practice still isn’t missing a beat with these constant subs though. Incredibly efficient between whistles and snaps.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 27, 2023
Is it still shark week?
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) July 27, 2023
Raheem Blackshear being looked at by trainers, after catching a pass from Bryce Young during seven on seven.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 27, 2023
CJ Henderson intercepts Bryce Young and goes in for a pick six. Not sure where Bryce was throwing that.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 27, 2023
Undrafted rookie Nash Jensen has gotten some run with the starters at both guard spots today. Coaches like what they’ve seen from him so far. Obviously the real test will be when pads come on but he has impressed.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) July 27, 2023
Kamu Grugier-Hill with ANOTHER pick (his second of camp — on the second day, mind you) vs. Andy Dalton…
The celebration that followed between him, Jaycee Horn, Brian Burns, and Brandon Smith was a delight.
— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) July 27, 2023
