Carolina Panthers training camp weekend
May 28, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart runs a drill during the practice held at the Bank of America Stadium practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Hill’s injury was a negative to start training camp, but several positive remarks have helped overcome the injury. Start with Jonathan Stewart, as he has embraced the fact of being the featured running back. After the way Stewart ended last season, clearly this is a plus for the potential the running game could bring. Stewart also mentioned that DeAngelo Williams’ presence will be missed. However, if Williams’ presence is missed that much, why have the Panthers already given his No. 34 to rookie running back Cameron Artis-Payne? Veterans John Kasay, who wore No. 4, and Steve Smith, who wore No. 89, have not had other players wear their number? Sounds to me as if Williams is not a guy the Panthers ever plan on retiring his number.
The other big positive taken from the weekend are comments made regarding Cam Newton. These are comments from other players and not the media, which hold more weight. Stewart made mention that Cam looks more comfortable while on the field. However, a bigger statement was made by wide receiver Jarrett Boykin, who was signed in the offseason, after spending the first three years of his career in Green Bay and catching passes everyday in practice from the man who is considered to be one of the best, if not the best, quarterback in NFL, Aaron Rodgers. Boykin compared Newton to Rodgers and said Newton has an opportunity to be the best quarterback in the league. Very strong words from a man who caught passes for three years from the great Rodgers and has only been in training camp with Newton for three days.
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We all know the Panthers will continue to have negatives and positives as training camp continues. However, one of the biggest positives after three days, are comments about Cam. Maybe all those doubters will finally keep quite.