NOTES, QUOTES

 

• QB Cam Newton completed just 13 of his 29 passes for 100 yards with two interceptions. It was a step back for the reigning MVP, who was 13-of-18 against the Ravens and Titans.

While Newton wasn’t good, he didn’t get much help from his teammates, who dropped at least four passes.

“We took our turns making mistakes and any time that happens, you know you’re going to get those kind of results,” Newton said.

“We just got to be on each other’s Wi-Fi stronger than we have been. It’s been a lackluster performance with the communication part and when that happens, if you’re already beat pre-snap, then the success rate is going to be extremely low.”

 

• RB Cameron Artis-Payne gained just 28 yards on nine carries, but that line doesn’t tell the story of the spark he seemed to provide. The second-year back also caught his only target for a 12-yard gain.

“Last year there were a lot of growing pains as far as getting out on the field and not being fully comfortable,” he admitted afterward. “But this year I’m more comfortable. I’m not going to say I’m fully there, but it’s a lot better than it was last year.”

 

• TE Marcus Lucas, who led the Panthers with 39 receiving yards against the Titans, turned both of his targets into fourth quarter touchdowns.

“All game I was waiting for my number to be called,” he said. “Whenever I got in, I actually got to execute some plays and do what we’ve been doing in practice. That’s what it’s all about, waiting for your number to be called and then coming in and executing, making plays whenever you get in there and impressing the coaches.”

 

• DE Kony Ealy, who’s the only Panthers’ DE with a sack this preseason, tallied his second in as many games. Ealy later took a sack away from S Tre Boston by lining up in the neutral zone.

 

• LB Brian Blechen, who played S at Utah, found himself back in his former spot. Because the Panthers had just three healthy safeties, they put Blechen back there with Colin Jones when Coleman and Boston were done for the night.

“I was happy that I was able to just step in and not completely bust the coverage,” Blechen said, “or at least just get the job done late in the game.”

Blechen shared a tackle on his second play and finished with three stops.

“This was a big-time emergency, but who knows,” Rivera said when asked if Blechen could be moved back to safety. “Maybe he showed us something. Big, physical guy like that playing downhill — it was kind of impressive.”

It’s more likely the Panthers will sign at least one free agent as soon as Saturday. Veteran free agents Donte Whitner and Stevie Brown are set to work out for the team, along with “a couple young guys,” according to Rivera.

 

• LB David Mayo had six tackles to lead the Panthers in stops for the second time this preseason (Ravens, 8).

 

• CB James Bradberry and Rivera both agreed the rookie should have had an interception instead of allowing WR Aaron Dobson to catch a 12-yard pass near the sideline midway through the first quarter.

“I kind of relaxed. I wasn’t thinking the ball was going to come to me,” Bradberry said. “It was a learning experience. I always play through the route at all times and I was full speed.

“In preseason you’re either winning or you’re learning, so I’m just learning still.”