The Carolina Panthers wrapped up their 2019 training camp after two joint-team practices with the opponent for their second preseason game, the Buffalo Bills.
The practices in the South Carolina were intense but invaluable, as head coach Ron Rivera explained during a press conference. Rivera said when two teams can come together for both player and team development, it’s beneficial, and gives them opportunities they wouldn’t have against players they are familiar with. He saw the opportunity as a test for them ahead of their home opener against the Bills.
Panthers newcomer Gerald McCoy was also pleased with the benefits of the joint practicing and said it allowed the players to make calls on the spot. McCoy, in his first year as a Panther after being traded from Tampa Bay, has the experience to appreciate working with others as a benefit to helping one another.
This is also apparent in the bond he and Kawaan Short have developed both on and off the field. McCoy reportedly reached out to Short before he actually joined the team and offered unsolicited advice, he felt would benefit not only Short’s personal game but the team overall. Short appreciated the advice, and this opened the door for their friendship and bond as teammates to build.
Curtis Samuel continued to show out in training camp, and last week was no exception. At the time in most camps when players enthusiasm wanes, the joint practice with the Bills brought motivation, and the players’ energy and efforts were strong throughout camp, start to finish. Tight end Chris Manhertz also made big plays during the final week of camp. Manhertz, who never played football before being signed by the Bills in 2015, caught many passes, including three for touchdowns.
Star quarterback Cam Newton who had shoulder surgery in the offseason has come back strong. Newton threw on schedule throughout camp and displayed his growth during repetitions practicing timing, and long completions. The starting quarterback sat out the first two games of the preseason to air on the side of caution, and to give the coaching staff the opportunity to see what the younger players have to offer.
Newton wasn’t the only starter sidelined for the second preseason game; the coaches decided to keep starters Luke Kuechly, Christian McCaffrey, Greg Olsen, and Shaq Thompson on the bench as well. The starters all had ample practice time and practiced with the Bills during the joint practices, but again, Rivera was more interested in protecting the key players and testing the newer players in the actual game against Buffalo.
McCoy and Bruce Irvin made their Carolina debuts, while Jordan Scarlett also made his NFL debut after recovering from a back injury that prevented him from participating in the first preseason game. Scarlett recorded 45 yards on eight carries as well as a catch for 14 yards.
The back-up quarterbacks weren’t successful in outshining or outworking one another in the second week of the preseason. Although Tyler Heinicke successfully tossed Rashaad Ross a nine-yard touchdown pass, at the end of the day, Kyle Allen’s experience kept him in the number two spot. Rivera has confidence both Allen and rookie Will Grier will continue to grow and better develop their skills.
Following the Panthers’ 27-14 loss against the Bills at home in Charlotte, disappointment and frustrations were plentiful in the Carolina locker room. Both defensive and offensive players critiqued their performances and acknowledged the mistakes that contributed to the loss. Coach Rivera seemed most disappointed in the younger players for not taking the opportunity to showcase the skills they’ve worked on in training camp.
On Sunday practice resumed in Charlotte in preparation for the third preseason game at the New England Patriots. The third preseason game is often called the “dress rehearsal” for the regular season, and all of the starters were expected to play in Thursday night’s game against New England. The team held their first practice in their new indoor facility on Monday, which gave them a break from the oppressive heat, and departed for Gillette Stadium on Wednesday hopeful to bring a win back home with them.
