Panthers Tracks: Best rookie and player so far? Superlatives from 1st week of camp
It has been an interesting week at Panthers’ training camp this week with all the physical-distancing measures, the face masks and shields coaches have worn and the contact tracers that light up red when you’re within six feet of someone.
But all of this is done to make sure the football games start on time next month. And it appears like that’s going to happen. So the Panthers are getting prepared.
Thursday’s practice was the fourth time media members have been allowed to view practice, and we’ve provided you with observations from each.
But here are some superlatives and the best of, from these four practices:
Player of the week: D.J. Moore. There’s nothing super flashy about the receiver’s game, but he’s reliable and has probably been the most consistent player in camp so far. He’s secured most of the catches thrown his way, with the exception of a few overthrown balls.
In one-on-one matchups, he has won almost every play. Coming off year where Moore had 87 catches for 1,175 yards in only his second season, he is poised to be a breakout star.
But McCaffrey had a fumble in Tuesday’s practice that sent the defense into a mass celebration, as if they had won the Super Bowl.
That’s a sign of respect.
Robby Anderson and Curtis Samuel also got consideration.
Rookie of the week: Jeremy Chinn. Chinn, who will likely play multiple positions this season, has had some good moments in camp. On Tuesday, the safety tackled McCaffrey for a loss. A short time later, he chased down Reggie Bonnafon for a short gain.
Chinn also had a pass deflection in coverage on Thursday while guarding tight end Colin Thompson.
Defensive tackle Derrick Brown was a close second, and I won’t be surprised if he’s the rookie of the week next week. He’s big, he’s strong and his teammates love him.
Receiver Omar Bayless may have been my top pick had he not missed the last two practices with a knee injury. He has made some nice catches throughout camp as well.
Most improved: Quarterback Will Grier hasn’t been perfect, but he’s made some nice throws in 11-on-11 drills. Panthers coach Matt Rhule said Thursday that early in camp P.J. Walker was performing better than Grier. But in recent days Grier, a Charlotte native, has caught up.
Grier’s pass to Brandon Zylstra in the back of the end zone Tuesday was outstanding.
Best play: It’s hard to say, but I’ve got to go with one of the catches receiver Curtis Samuel made. He made a diving catch after running into defensive back T.J. Walker on Monday. He got up, ran a few more yards, dove and caught a Teddy Bridgewater pass.
Worst play: Joseph Charlton’s shanked punt on Monday was not a good moment for the undrafted rookie. The punt traveled over a fence surrounding the field, into some trees.
He shanked another one on Thursday.
Player I’d like to see more from: Cornerback Donte Jackson. Not that he hasn’t played well, because he has been solid.
But when he has gone up against D.J. Moore, Moore has gotten the better of him. Maybe that’s saying more about Moore than Jackson. But with James Bradberry gone, Jackson’s play will be crucial. He’ll be facing a lot of elite receivers and quarterbacks in the NFC South, including two of the best quarterbacks who have ever played in Tom Brady and Drew Brees.
Who’s been better? Defense or offense?
If you asked me this question two days ago, it’d definitely be the offense. But in the past two days, and since the pads have been on, it’s the defense. The defense has forced multiple turnovers over that span. On Tuesday, it forced three fumbles in 11-on-11 drills. On Thursday, it forced a fumble and cornerback Corn Elder intercepted Bridgewater.
What do you want to read?
As The Observer plans Panthers’ coverage over training camp and the 2020 season, we want to know what you want to read. What are some topics you want to know more about? What isn’t covered enough? Send ideas, suggestions or questions to agetzenberg@charlotteobserver.com and jalexander@charlotteobserver.com.
Required Reading
+ Panthers mailbag: Will Panthers keep 3 QBs? Will Omar Bayless make the roster? And more
+ Panthers ‘leader’ Russell Okung shares his thoughts on COVID concerns, health
+ Pandemic gave Panthers’ Efe Obada a unique opportunity. Now he knows football like a pro
+ Panthers camp observations: Defense dominated almost everyone — except Robby Anderson
+ Panthers training camp observations: Rhule gives 2 players morning off, DBs look better
+ Panthers training camp observations: Samuel shines, Okung leaves early and more
+ The Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC are furloughing and reducing full-time staff
This story was originally published August 21, 2020 at 9:34 AM.
