Black and Blue Review
Observations and Notes
- QB Cam Newton: A so-so day included a perfect 50-yard touchdown strike and two interceptions He’s missing Kelvin Benjamin, the one receiver with whom he had already developed a connection. Newton worked on conditioning afterward and was the last guy to leave the field.
- RB Kenjon Barner: After taking a hit from LB A.J. Klein, the two exchanged shoves. The atmosphere of the opening team period was ripe for the first big scuffle of camp, but this ended up as the most-heated moment.
- WR Kelvin Benjamin: Rode the exercise bike and worked through some rehab drills. He had a sleeve over his leg, but the rookie wasn’t walking with a limp. Hopes to return in time to play in first preseason game.
- WR Marcus Lucas: Fantastic day. Was on the receiving end of a number of receptions, including one for a touchdown in red zone drills.
Read More
Players of the Day
OFFENSE
Byron Bell: This could have easily gone to WR Marcus Lucas, but it’s Bell for the second straight day. Not only did he have a great day at both tackle spots, but the usually reserved Bell also set Tuesday’s tone with an inspired speech.
DEFENSE
Antoine Cason – The cornerback continued his great camp with two interceptions during team drills. Head coach Ron Rivera and defensive backs coach Steve Wilks may be bringing out what’s left in Cason.
Quotes to Note
“It’s bittersweet hanging them up, but I’m just seeing the game from a different angle now. It’s time for the next chapter.”
On playing each game of his 10-year career for the “home” team
“It doesn’t seem that long ago I was in Fountain Inn, S.C., and we hear that we have a professional football team. The whole region went crazy that we had one. 10 years later, I am part of that team. I was able to represent home. Not only was I able to represent my family with my name on the back of my jersey, but I was able to represent where I’m from across the front. That meant a lot. Got a lot of ticket requests, but it meant a lot.”
“I woke up this morning like a new man. I was telling (Panthers’ trainers) it feels way better, but they were still telling me take your time with it.”
How Benjamin injured the knee during Sunday’s practice
“I went for a catch and just came down with all my body weight on my knee. We looked at it and iced it, and the doctors checked it. Once I woke up the next morning, it was stiff, so (head athletic trainer) Ryan (Vermillion) just wanted to make sure it was OK.”
On Spartanburg
“I like it here. It’s got that Florida heat to it. So I like it.”
“Nobody has faith in us! You know who got faith in us? Father God, number one. And us! It don’t matter what they write about us, what they say about us! We control our own destiny!”
“I went to Byron, and he was ready to roll. He has a certain element of ‘enthooosiasm.’ That’s his quote, and that’s why I chose him. Also in this part of his career, it’s time for him to step up.”
On the ‘enthooosiasm’ on display after Bell’s speech
“Today’s practice was the best one we’ve had since we started camp. After the first period I got them back together and said, ‘Hey guys, I get on you when it’s not what we want, so I want to let you know that’s exactly what we want.'”
On undrafted rookie receiver Marcus Lucas, who had another day of impressive plays
“Watching him when they’re yelling for someone on the show team, he’s one of the first ones to jump up. Those catch your eye as a coach. And then you see him do something well, it catches your eye even more.”
His reaction to the Patriots’ waiver pickup of Panthers’ sixth-round pick Tyler Gaffney
“Wow, that was a tough one. It was surprising because we had him slated to have surgery and all that. New England, I knew they liked him coming out of the draft. So they made a move.”
“He got me real pumped. I’m not a guy that gets excited about too much stuff, but Byron got the whole team going. I think that’s what led to us coming out and going strong.”
On the rat tail he’s currently growing, along with his younger brother
“If my mom or wife doesn’t like it, then it’s coming off.”
Photos
Panther Poll
Live Feed Replay
Camping with the NFC South
- Why the Falcons will be better in 2014, but not as good as they were in 2012. — MMQB
- Julio Jones’ foot looks pretty good. — Instagram
- Training camp from the perspective of a mascot with a GoPro. – AtlantaFalcons.com
- Receiver Brandin Cooks looks as fast as advertised. — Vine
- Strong prediction: “It would not be a shock if (Champ) Bailey … doesn’t make the team.” — MMQB
- No one’s going to beat out Drew Brees. So what does the quarterback group do for some real competition? — New Orleans Advocate
- Herm Edwards explains why he believes the Bucs will win the NFC South. — ESPN.com
- Receivers catching on: Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. — Sports Talk FLA