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Panthers add new element to practice

By Brandon Scott

SAN JOSE, CA - FEBRUARY 05: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers gives the Heisman Trophy pose while his teammates stretches during practice prior to Super Bowl 50 at San Jose State University on February 5, 2016 in San Jose, California. The Carolina Panthers face the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 on February 7. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - FEBRUARY 05: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers gives the Heisman Trophy pose while his teammates stretches during practice prior to Super Bowl 50 at San Jose State University on February 5, 2016 in San Jose, California. The Carolina Panthers face the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 on February 7. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers have added a new element to their practices this summer…

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera has earned a reputation for being a players’ coach. In the world of professional football this is a significant title when dealing with young adults – many on the edge of fame, fortune or both – and their egos.

Rivera leads the team on the field and this offseason provided one of the few constants for anyone on the roster as the franchise underwent a change of ownership and significant coaching overhaul. How his players respond will speak volumes to his abilities and to this point there is no reason to expect anything other than professionalism and effort from his players.

A strict proponent of practice and the benefits of an up tempo session, in recent seasons Rivera has allowed music to be played during stretching. However, once it was time for installation periods, team periods or anything other than warm-ups, the music was to be turned off.

This year Rivera decided the music could stay for all of practice. Quarterback Cam Newton is largely responsible for the soundtracks and it appears to be a hit with a majority of the other players.

https://twitter.com/Panthers/status/1006941677452439552

According to Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer, the change was not necessarily orchestrated by Rivera but happened more as a result of him forgetting to notify someone about cutting the music.

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Carolina has been doing a majority of their practices on the far field of their facility and Rivera noted, “they moved it so far away from me, so I don’t turn around and yell and expect someone to turn it off. That’s why we practice on the far field, because it’s not as bad down there.”

The change could have major benefits later in the year as Carolina faces tough road games at Atlanta, New Orleans, Detroit and Pittsburgh – all venues with noticeably loud crowd noise. Teams often pump in imitation sounds in order to prepare for loud crowds, especially inside domed stadiums, but the music could also help create an upbeat vibe for all practices.

Next: Cam Newton Ranked No. 25

Day after day of the same thing, even in the NFL, can get monotonous but having some music to set the mood may provide a boost for the team this season.

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