Panthers training camp 2018: 5 players I’m excited to see in Spartanburg

The Panthers kick off training camp tomorrow Carolina Panthers Hats , so to prepare for the big day I’ve decided to share five players that I’m looking forward to seeing on the practice field at Wofford College for the next few weeks. Let’s dive in, shall we?D.J. Moore, Wide receiverOf course I want to see the first round rookie, right? I’m looking forward to seeing how Cam Newton gets along with his newest receiver, and how quickly Moore can pick up on Norv Turner’s offense. I think we’re going to see special things from Moore this season, and I’m looking forward to seeing those seeds planted at Wofford.Ian Thomas, Tight endI’m rooting super hard for this guy to not only make the 53-man roster, but to feature heavily in the lineup this season. I think with a good training camp and preseason Thomas has a chance to move up to No. 2 on the depth chart behind Greg Olsen. Given everything he’s been through so far in his life, and his dedication and resolve to keep going through those tough times Carolina Panthers Womens Hoodie , I want nothing but good things to happen to this young man.Damiere Byrd, Wide receiverNot gonna lie, I’m being a homer with this pick. I am looking forward to seeing if Byrd can keep beating people deep like he did last preseason, though. Garrett Gilbert, QuarterbackCan he step into Derek Anderson’s shoes and be the backup quarterback the Panthers need? He’s certainly the veteran option on the current roster behind Newton. Will the Panthers be able to comfortably pencil him in at No. 2 on the depth chart, or will one of the other guys take the spot from him? Only time will tell, but training camp and preseason should be an interesting battle for those backup spots.Cam Newton, QuarterbackOf course I wanna see Cam . . . who doesn’t?! I’m looking forward to watching the new-look offense during training camp and the preseason so I can prepare a carefully worded hot take about how awesome or terrible the team looks, depending on the result of the preseason opener Womens Customized Carolina Panthers Jerseys , no doubt.What about you, Panthers fans? Who are you excited to see during training camp? Share your thoughts with us! The Panthers defense might not be good. Shocker! My last article was written about a month ago and it went into detail about the issues the secondary was experiencing in allowing explosive plays.Unfortunately, these issues have gotten incrementally worse. I truly fear for what the Saints might do to this defense in late December. Without further ado, let’s dive into the blood bath from the past two weeks. James Bradberry had a productive game against Tampa Bay a couple weeks ago, but there were still larger issues that were carried over against the Steelers. For the positive, he was able to shut down Mike Evans by using his press technique to disrupt him at the line of scrimmage. Bradberry has fared well against Evans in his short career, so it’s not a total surprise he was able to use his length to have a nice afternoon.This isn’t Bradberry’s fault per se and the result of Fitzpatrick’s throw turns into an interception, but the larger issue is the defensive call that allowed Evans to be open. Carolina is playing quarter/quarter half (cover 4 on one side and cover 2 on other). Bradberry is squatting in cover 2, but this allows Evans to run free on the deep dig. Fortunately Authentic Christian McCaffrey Jersey , Fitzpatrick overthrows the ball. On this play, the Panthers are in a cover 4. Bradberry has the deep sideline, but he correctly doesn’t gain too much depth. He reads the short route, but his poor change of direction causes him issues as he pursues the receiver. Coverage skills are necessary when playing zone, but so are tackling skills especially when the defense keeps things underneath. He has to do better. Of course, these issues compounded themselves when he jumped on an underneath route in cover 3 against Pittsburgh. He has to guard the deep sideline and trust his linebackers to protect the flats. He doesn’t, which leads to a long touchdown and Carolina essentially losing any momentum. The issues weren’t isolated to Bradberry though. Donte Jackson has been a standout this season, but he is responsible for this coverage bust. He is expected to carry any receiver on the sideline, which he doesn’t. The Panthers are playing man coverage http://www.pantherscheapshop.com/cheap-authentic-christian-mccaffrey-jersey , but a simple adjustment to this route concept would have prevented a touchdown. The concept is called “banjo” which I wrote about a year ago. The concept involves matching or passing off receivers to prevent pick routes. The Steelers have a great offense. That’s not a hot take. The issue, however, is the defensive call that allows Antonio Brown a free release downfield. Any defensive play call that has Mike Adams matched up against Brown on a deep post is the wrong one. Most of the issues aren’t coaching or play call related, but plays like Brown’s deep reception are a result of poor calls. After New Orleans decimated Carolina in the regular season, I went into why Sean Payton consistently runs circles around Carolina’s defense. These currentproblems will be further exposed against the Saints in about a month. I have no reason to believe this current crop of talent or coaching will change things in season.