The Carolina Panthers first training camp practice took place Thursday, July 26th in Spartanburg, South Carolina. While the players were not dressed in full pads, there was still plenty of excitement from the franchise’s fan base. With a new owner, new assistant coaches and plenty of new players on the roster, this Panthers team entered camp with a much different aura around them than last year. Below is a look at the first day of practice.
Notables from Carolina Panthers First Day Of Training Camp
David Tepper’s Hidden Talent
New owner David Tepper has made his presence felt already as he was in attendance during Thursday’s practice. On the way to practice, Tepper joined Panthers.com beat writer Bill Voth for an interview on the latest installment of “Cart Talk.” During the interview, Tepper shared with Voth that he is a fan of Elvis Presley and admits he can carry a tune. He gave a little snippet of ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ and it’s fair to say that Tepper could have had a decent career as a cover artist.
During practice, quarterback Cam Newton danced very often which inspired Tepper to loosen up while on the sidelines. The owner started mimicking Newton’s dance moves and cracked a huge smile saying, “Hey, I can dance too.” The four-second video caught by Panthers beat writer Max Henson became a hit on Twitter with Panther fans.
Amini Silatolu Opens Up at Starting Left Guard
Arguably, the most important position battle for the Panthers this training camp will be at the left guard position. Six-year veteran Amini Silatolu opened up training camp taking reps with the starting offense. Silatolu has some experience playing left guard in years past and he will be battling with Jeremiah Sirles, Tyler Larsen, Taylor Moton and undrafted rookies Kyle Bosch, Taylor Hearn and Brandon Mahon.
Position Battles in the Secondary
As expected, both cornerback Kevon Seymour and safety Da’Norris Searcy were taking reps with the first defense Thursday. Seymour spent last season with the Panthers and looked sharp in his two starts. He will be battling with rookie Donte Jackson, veteran Captain Munnerlyn and newcomer Ross Cockrell for the starting corner spot alongside James Bradberry.
Searcy was signed as a free agent this off-season after being let go by the Tennessee Titans. The Panthers parted ways with one of their better safeties from last year in, Kurt Coleman, this off-season, meaning someone new will have to step up in Ron Rivera‘s defense. The veteran Searcy has the slight edge over rookie Rashaan Gaulden because of experience but throughout training camp he will have to prove that he is starting material.
The Tight Ends Impress
In the Newton era, the tight end position has been an area of strength for the Panthers offense. During Thursday’s practice, Newton connected with tight end Greg Olsen, a familiar sight for Panther fans, for a big gain on a seam route. It seemed like the two have not lost any chemistry over the off-season.
Rookie Ian Thomas, out of Indiana, impressed many coaches as well. The fourth-round draft choice caught a handful of short underneath passes and showed great burst when running with the ball in his hands. With his size and speed, he could be a hard player to bring down for opposing defensive backs.
Moore and Byrd Shined, Funchess’ Day Ended Early
Panthers first-round draft choice D.J. Moore caught his first touchdown pass of training camp during Thursday’s practice after a ball was deflected by linebacker Thomas Davis and fell right into the rookie’s arms. There weren’t too many big plays during Thursday’s practice but Moore’s catch was one of them.
Third-year wide receiver Damiere Byrd had an impressive first day of practice as well. Byrd hauled in a diving catch on a low pass with the rookie Jackson draped all over him. Many considered that play to be the best catch of the evening.
On the other hand, Devin Funchess‘ first practice did not go so well, after leading the team in receiving touchdowns last season. Funchess dropped a pass on a short route and ended up hobbling off the field with leg cramps. The Panthers expect big things from Funchess this year and with the addition of Moore this off-season, there is a lot of pressure on Funchess to perform in 2018.
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