Week Two of Carolina Panthers OTAs was back underway after the Memorial Day Weekend. There were plenty of notables and fun moments that involved a new teammate and some cracked eggs.
The media will be allowed to cover three of the 10 Panthers OTAs. Tuesday was the second open practice. The media is limited to what can be reported in terms of what specific groups and formations are being used.
Notables/Observations:
-Quarterback Cam Newton was not present. The practice is optional and head coach Ron Rivera said Newton informed the team he was taking a personal day.
-Owner David Tepper and general manager Marty Hurney observed practice. Tepper began the practice by giving the rapidly progressing practice bubble a long look by himself.
More progress for the Panthers future practice bubble. David Tepper is here this morning checking it out. pic.twitter.com/ofO32Ydyze
— WFNZ-AM/FM (@wfnz)
May 28, 2019 -Linebacker Luke Kuechly started the morning with one of his two interceptions on quarterback Kyle Allen.
Luke doing LUUUUKE things‼️ pic.twitter.com/o7jLwZzZyY
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers)
May 28, 2019 -Rivera said he is excited for Kuechly and linebacker Shaq Thompson to play in the new 3-4 defensive scheme and three-man front. (Watch below)
-Linebacker Andre Smith had a forced fumble recovery that would have been a touchdown.
-Wide receiver Curtis Samuel had arguably the best player of the day with a leaping pass from Allen over cornerback Kevon Seymour. Samuel fell hard and was slow to get up but Rivera said he just had the wind knocked out of him.
Can't wait to see more of this from @CurtisSamuel4__ -- pic.twitter.com/W08sxwn6UF
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers)
May 28, 2019 -Cornerback Donte Jackson had an electrifying "Odell-esque" one-handed catch in front of Tepper towards the beginning of practice. Jackson was confident after practice but Rivera said, "He's still a rookie. Give him four games and then he'll be a second-year player."
-Tight end Ian Thomas, offensive guard Trai Turner, wide receiver Torrey Smith and rookie defensive end Christian Miller did not compete in team drills and worked out on the sidelines. Tight end Greg Olsen and linebacker Shaq Thompson joined the sideline workouts during the second half of practice.
-Offensive tackle Darryl Williams and center Matt Paradis were still non-participants in team drills.
-Rivera said the team could definitely use a guy with the skill set of free agent defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, but said the question is more for Hurney.
-Running back Christian McCaffrey was shadowed by 11-year old Peyton Raper whose Make A Wish was spending a day with the Panthers.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like spending the day as a Carolina Panther? 11-year old Peyton Raper had the opportunity on Tuesday alongside Christian McCaffrey.Video/Story: https://t.co/h3yyvEPNMy pic.twitter.com/puQ7ITocBT
— WFNZ-AM/FM (@wfnz)
May 28, 2019 -To end practice, Rivera took on the #CrackCancerChallenge.
Another angle of Greg Olsen, McCaffrey, Kuechly, Kawann Short, Shaq Thompson and Trai Turner had fun helping Ron Rivera out with the #CrackCancerChallenge after OTAs this morning -- pic.twitter.com/KoIIARzHyS
— WFNZ-AM/FM (@wfnz)
May 28, 2019
