Panthers Mini Camp Analysis

[Dead_Real]

http://www.carolinagrowl.com/Read.aspx?Story=589

1. Jake Delhomme’s arm looks really strong. Honestly. There has been plenty of conspiracy talk surrounding Delhomme’s recovery from elbow surgery, but I’m here to tell you folks, he looks great. In fact, he seems to be throwing the ball even better than he did in the previous three seasons. He threw about 35 passes each day, some as long as 40 yards. As long as he doesn’t suffer any setbacks, Delhomme should be fine for the season, so stop worrying. The Panthers have no intentions, at least at this point, of signing a veteran free agent backup. They’d rather groom youngsters Matt Moore and Brett Basanez and allow them to get the practice reps.

2. The Panthers are moving Julius Peppers from left defensive end to right defensive end in hopes of igniting a fire in him. Peppers has played on the left side for six seasons, but will now be moving back the spot he played at North Carolina. He had a rough season last year with a career-low 2.5 sacks. It would seem kind of awkward for him to move to the right side since he’s naturally left handed, but we’ll have to wait and see how that works out. As for how Peppers looked, it’s a little too early to tell because the linemen aren’t wearing pads.

3. Carolina’s first-round draft picks didn’t practice, but don’t fret. Offensive tackle Jeff Otah was simply resting a high ankle sprain from last year and should be ready for the June coaching sessions. Running back Jonathan Stewart will be a little longer. He should be back on the field in July for training camp, which puts him a little behind the eight ball. Still, that should be more than enough time for Stewart to pick up the offense. Let’s just hope he signs early and gets to camp on time.

4. Charles Godfrey, the team’s third-round draft pick from Iowa, was thrown into the starting lineup right away at free safety and looked superb. In fact, as the Panthers walked off the field for the final time on Sunday, coach John Fox purposely sought out Godfrey and congratulated him on how well he picked things up. The real bullets won’t fly for awhile, but I think this kid could be a steal. He’s smart, tough and fast.

Quoted the things that stood out to me I'm really pumped up for this upcoming season a lot to look forward too.

Also it's not in this artical but it was being reported that Smitty feels both faster and stronger than ever before that can only get us more hyped up lol.

[Muttley]

Thanks Eaton.

Two of those things I had not yet heard:
1. What Smith said. We all know what he can do, but if he's feeling even better about his own play then that can only mean good things. Can't wait to see what Moose and Hackett can do.
2. I had not heard/read anything about Godfrey, but if #4 is true, then that's great news. Any rookie that can step into the starting line-up and immediately impress people is alright by me (ala Beason).

[ReesieNCPantherCatfan1]

Yeah, I am definately pumped for this year. We already know that Smitty and Jake have a great chemistry, and now we added new (old) weapons at receiver, as well as a hoss of a tackle in Otah, and a Stephen Davis type bruiser in Stewart. I am really anxious to see how it all plays out. Don't forget we upgraded on D as well, especially with LB Landon Johnson. I am hoping we get the safety situation opposite of Harris setteled (no more Deke) and peppers remembers that he is peppers, and have a great year. I like that we are back in the shadows this year, we wilt when the expectations are high, but we might just have a sleeper team this year.