July 31: Complete Panthers Training Camp Coverage

Mario Addison’s Wild Ride

After the Panthers gave Mario Addison a two-year contract extension this offseason, the defensive end rewarded himself with a trip to Puerto Rico. It was well-deserved and harmless. Up until the point he almost drowned. Because of a girl. And there may have been sharks around — literally.

“I rode on jet skis. Actually, I fell off the jet skis, deep in the ocean. I don’t know how to swim. So without the vest, I would have died y’all. But thank God, it brought me back,” said Addison, who colorfully recalled his scary summer story Thursday afternoon.

Quotes to Note

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Head Coach Ron Rivera

On Thursday’s soggy practice:

“We practiced pretty doggone well considering the conditions today.”

When asked about receiver Tavarres King, who made a number of receptions:

“Tavarres has had three good days in a row … We’re pretty excited about what he’s doing.”

On the possibility of fullback Mike Tolbert returning kickoffs:

“A couple times he has lined up as the primary, which I’ve told him, that’s only in extreme emergency.”

LS J.J. Jansen

On the benefits of practicing in the rain:

“It’s good work for us. You know you’re going to get at least one or two games a year when you’re going to get some rain, so it’s good work.”

DE Frank Alexander

When asked if he would appeal his four-game suspension after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy:

“It ain’t nothing to appeal, because I done it.”

If the suspension made him worry about his future in the league:

“Just thinking one more slip-up and it could be a year out. Most times when guys get out for a year it’s hard to come back from that. It’s an eye-opening experience. I’ve just got to be smarter from here on out.”

CB Antoine Cason

When asked about the possibilities for the Panthers’ defense, which finished 2013 ranked No. 2 in the NFL:

“I think it can be No. 1. That’s how I bring the mindset to get that done. I’m part of it now, so I’m very excited to see it get there.”

On Ron Rivera, who was Cason’s defensive coordinator in San Diego from 2008-10.

“He’s a former player, so he definitely understands us. That’s huge. The communication between coach and players is awesome, and that’s what I think he does very well.”

DT Kawann Short

When asked why he started a book drive in his hometown of East Chicago:

“It’s just one way to give back, just to start giving books and show these guys that, yeah, I made it, but I’m not too good to come back.”

DE Mario Addison

On his summer vacation scare:

“I know life vests save. I went through it. So I know if I fall off, I’ll be saved.”

Observations and Notes

QB Cam Newton: Took a kick to the shin midway through practice and returned wearing a shinguard. That + plus ankle + plus no Kelvin Benjamin + plus rain = a sloppy day for Newton.
QB Derek Anderson: Had been having a pretty good camp, but rough day included two interceptions.
FB Mike Tolbert: Again seemed to line up deeper on kickoff return and again brought out a kick after catching it in the end zone. Head coach Ron Rivera said afterward Tolbert’s role on the unit hasn’t changed, so he’ll likely only get to showcase his return skills during practice.

Players of the Day

OFFENSE

WR Tavarres King: Had his best day of the summer. Made a number of receptions, including a one-handed catch in the end zone.

DEFENSE

CB Bene Benwikere: If real game action, would have had an interception return from the opposite end zone. Made fewer mistakes and was better in coverage.