Funchess did all he could to reel in an underthrown fade by QB Cam Newton, but CB Robert McClain did an ever better job warding off a guy who's seven inches taller.
PLAYER NOTES
- WR Devin Funchess, who scored the Panthers' only touchdown against the Ravens, was the best player on the field Saturday. One stretch was particularly impressive. In a span of 17 minutes, Funchess burned the defense twice in 9-on-9s and then did it again in the day's first team drill.
"It's a reflection of the way he's been practicing, the way he's been playing," Rivera said. "He's done some really nice things and you see the growth, so it's exciting to watch him out there."
- WR Kelvin Benjamin had his "worst" day of camp. After catching pretty much everything in his vicinity the past two weeks, Benjamin failed to hang on to at least a couple passes that hit his hands, including one in a red zone drill. He also appeared to labor a bit under the Spartanburg sun as the Panthers continue to increase his reps.
"We want to get him to the point where he can go 4, 5, 6 plays in a row as we start getting ready for the opener," said Rivera, who indicated Benjamin will still be on a snap count in Week 1.
- WR Damiere Byrd saw increased reps with the first team, but Rivera said that was mostly a product of Brown's absence. It's unclear if he was inbounds, but Byrd's biggest flash from practice when he reeled in a deep ball from Newton in 9-on-9s.
- WR Keyarris Garrett heard an earful from typically mild-mannered offensive coordinator Mike Shula after the rookie ran a wrong route.
- LT Donald Hawkins saw the bulk of second-team reps, which was likely a reaction to David Foucault's struggles against the Ravens.
- DTs Robert Thomas and Eric Crume saw the bulk of second-team reps ahead of Kevin Love.
- LB Jeremy Cash appeared to spend more time with the No. 2 defense than he has in any previous practice.
- CB Daryl Worley was beaten by Funchess in 9-on-9s, but the rookie bounced back moments later when he knocked away a pass intended for TE Scott Simonson.
- S Tre Boston had an interception go through his hands on a Newton pass intended for Byrd in the back of the end zone.
NOTABLE NUGGETS
Newton and linebacker Thomas Davis jaw at each other throughout nearly every practice, but the chatter didn't appear completely friendly after a red zone drill.
When Newton kept it himself on fourth down and goal, he ran into traffic at the goal line. Davis then walked away while yelling, "No, no, no!" repeatedly. The two continued their "discussion" near Rivera, who appeared to motion Newton away from Davis.
For what it's worth, Rivera was smirking moments later, and after practice, he downplayed the noise:
"That's just a couple chihuahuas (yapping), that's all. They like to push each other's buttons. That's fine. They just like to compete."
Panthers owner Jerry Richardson made his first appearance at this year's training camp. He was accompanied by Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin and 91-year-old Bob Prevatte, who was one of Richardson's high school coaches.
Thanks Bill! Appreciate the nuggets, especially when we hear about the younger unknown guys.
Welcome. Worth keeping an eye on Robert Thomas, as mentioned above, and Jordan Rigsbee.