Panthers 2020 training camp: 6 things to watch when padded practices begin
The longest offseason in NFL history is almost over and real football is almost here. Starting on Monday, teams will move into the next phase of this unique training camp called the Contact Integration Period, which will allow a maximum of 14 padded practices from August 17 – September 6.
Those practices will be crucial for every team, but they are especially important for the Carolina Panthers, who are trying to integrate new coaches, playbooks and nearly a dozen starters total on a young roster. Here are six things for fans to be on the lookout for as we move into the contact period.
Teddy Bridgewater’s friendly takeover
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Teddy Bridgewater does not have much in common with Cam Newton, who is a different kind of athlete and competitor than Carolina’s new franchise quarterback. However, one characteristic they share is their charisma. Just as Newton is predictably winning over the locker room in New England, Bridgewater has become a popular leader for the Panthers. Winning the respect of his teammates is a good start. Now, Bridgewater has to show mastery of Joe Brady’s offense and he doesn’t have much time to do it.
D.J. Moore’s ascension
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One of the players Bridgewater will need to establish a rapport with fast is the team’s top wide receiver, D.J. Moore. Last year, Moore brokeout in the second half of the season not long after Steve Smith criticized him on the radio. From Weeks 8-14 before his injury, Moore proved he’s a legitimate No. 1 option, averaging over 100 yards per game. The Panthers haven’t had a Pro Bowl receiver since Smith in 2011. This could be the year that streak breaks if Moore picks up where he left off and finds a rhythm with Teddy.
The ongoing left tackle question
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The Panthers made a questionable trade for Russell Okung, hoping to end their string of troubles at a critical position. Okung’s flirting with opting-out and a potential early retirement can’t make the front office feel easy, though. Their best backup at left tackle is Greg Little, who missed 12 games as a rookie due to his own injury problems, including concussion issues. Carolina needs Okung to hit the ground running in these padded practices and stay healthy the whole year, or else dealing Trai Turner could turn into a total loss.
The (missing) elephant in the middle of the room
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It helps to have the best linebacker of his generation in the building as a pro scout so defenders can pick his brain. Still, there’s no replacing a talent like Luke Kuechly on the field. Tahir Whitehead will be up to bat first in what is likely to be a long line of those who try. He has experience with coach Matt Rhule from college and has played middle linebacker before. However, he has also been the league’s worst coverage linebacker the last couple of years. Expect opposing play-callers to zero in on him, beginning with Joe Brady.
Shuffling the deck in the secondary
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While defensive coordinator Phil Snow doesn’t have much to work with in year one, he does have a few versatile young defensive backs. Both second-round pick Jeremy Chinn and fourth-round pick Troy Pride Jr. have been moving around and playing multiple spots in the team’s walk-through practices. We can expect Tre Boston to continue playing free safety and Donte Jackson will keep starting outside at cornerback. Beyond that, it’s hard to pencil anybody in at any one position at this point. That’s not necessarily a bad problem to have, though.
The imbalance of power
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On paper, this is one of the NFL’s most imbalanced rosters. While the offense is hardly the 2007 Patriots, it’s a much deeper and more proven group of players than those on the other side, which could constitute the youngest defense to play in a decade. The padded practices should give us a better idea of just how much work Snow has to put in on defense. Brady has the weapons to dominate.
