The Carolina Panthers completed mandatory minicamp Wednesday, as players will have a month-long break until the start of training camp.
Carolina Panthers Minicamp Brings Hope to the Team
Ending on a Positive Note
Panthers head coach Frank Reich expressed optimism about where his team is at the end of minicamp ahead of training camp.
“I’m excited that there’s a lot of positive energy,” Reich said. “I feel it in the building. I feel it on the field with players. I feel it in the community with our fans, and I think our players feel that as well. Having been around this game for a while, I think you take the mode of ‘we’ve got a lot,’ we want to prove it every day.”
Throughout OTAs and minicamp, Reich and his Panthers coaching staff worked to install their new offense and defense. Both veterans and rookies alike underwent a learning process. Along with learning a new playbook, players began building connections with one another.
“Guys just actually want to be around each other,” Donte Jackson said. “It’s hard when you’ve got a team full of guys during OTAs, to get everybody to just want to be around each other because the schedule is shorter, guys are doing stuff outside of the building. But this team this year has been different.”
Veteran Speaks on Future
Edge rusher Brian Burns switched to outside linebacker in the offseason because of the new 3-4 defense. The two-time Pro Bowl player at 25 has become a leader early into his career and is due for a contract extension. Burns showed his commitment to the Panthers as he spoke about his contract at minicamp.
“I want to be a Panther,” Burns said. “I can’t preach this anymore like I’m truly blessed to be in this position. You know, like, it’s just like a dream come true. Just to be able to have these kinds of talks.”
It’ll be a primary objective for the Panthers front office to get a deal done sooner rather than later. Burns has become a pivotal player for Carolina, as he’s one of the best sack artists in the league.
Brian Burns (@Fire_Burns99) long arms, attacks the OL’s wrist, lifts & peels the hand away. Blocker’s balance is compromised & Burns gets the sack! #passrush #keeppounding pic.twitter.com/eMAJpRZsAx
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) November 27, 2022
Burns also spoke about rookie quarterback Bryce Young and characterized the type of person and player he is.
“I don’t know; he put quite a stamp on the locker room,” Burns said. “He walks around with this kind of humble, excuse my language, like humble, but I know I’m the s— type of type of swag. Like he knows he got it, but he’s humble with it. And he’s always happy.”
Break Before Camp
The Panthers won’t practice again until the start of training camp on July 26 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Training camp features 12 open practices available for the public ending Aug. 10. Carolina will face a test in two joint practices with the New York Jets on Aug. 9-10.
With the extensive break, Young expressed that he’ll have fun continuing to work for the 2023 season at the end of Panthers minicamp.
“I plan on working out and getting ready for the season,” Young said. “That’s fun to me.”
Young is planning on returning home to California and preparing for the season as he’ll report to training camp on July 22, along with his fellow rookies.
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
