10 Observations From Panthers Training Camp

DBs Look As Good or Better Than 2013

The Panthers’ secondary was not known as a strength of the team last year, and that appears to be the thought process heading into 2014.

Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

However, this unit looks more cohesive and a better fit with each other than last year.

So far, players in the Carolina defensive backfield are making plays.  Antoine Cason, Charles Godfrey and even rookie Bene Benwikere are standing out.  Benwikere had a rough Sunday practice, but looked ahead of the curve in the previous practices.  Godfrey is making a move from safety to nickelback, and is adjusting well.

I don’t think anyone is more excited to get this season underway for the Panthers than free-agent addition, Roman Harper.  He hasn’t flashed too much yet, but his comments from practices, and his reaction to the fans involvement has been top-flight.

With a front-seven taking a lot of pressure off of the secondary, they are able to just play to their strengths.  They aren’t asked to shoulder too much of the defensive workload, but they are expected to hold down the back end.  They are going up against big receivers, and veteran players in these practices that will only help elevate their game.

One of the most entertaining camp battles to keep an eye on is between Godfrey and Benwikere.  A proud veteran showing that he can go back to being a cornerback, and a rookie pick that passes the eye test, but needs to prove he can do it against NFL talent week-in and week-out.