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Panthers defense shines brightly in Monday’s practice

By Danny Jaillet

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Mark Ingram #22 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball as Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers defends during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Mark Ingram #22 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball as Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers defends during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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This may bode well for the Carolina Panthers first preseason contest on Thursday…

On Monday, the Carolina Panthers held their first game week practice of the season. With the team still working the kinks out before Thursday’s opener against the Washington Redskins, the defense had a tremendous day per Bryan Strickland of Panthers.com.

As Strickland notes, the defense was not particularly focused on being aggressive for this practice, but they ended up having a really good day.

"The defense actually wasn’t taking as aggressive a tact when, in team drills, the unit came up with four interceptions of the Panthers’ three backup quarterbacks in one period."

With backup quarterbacks Taylor Heinicke and Garrett Gilbert enduring most of the defense’s wrath, the Panthers defensive stars shone brightly. Shaq Thompson recorded one interception, while LaDarius Gunter notched two. Da’Norris Searcy rounded out the interception party, making it a great day for the secondary in particular.

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Although Carolina Panthers interceptions are not something we like to encourage, the fact that the defense is so active and alert is encouraging. Particularly in the secondary, Monday’s reports from practice were very promising.

That is not to say that I though the secondary would be bad. I, and many others, just did not know what to expect. The front seven was already a source of strength. The addition of Dontari Poe made it even better. There are many new faces within the secondary, and with promising draft picks such as Donte Jackson and Rashaan Gaulden, the Carolina Panthers secondary underwent a makeover in the offseason.

Some people may be quick to point out that the interceptions were at the expense of backup quarterbacks. In this case, the defense is just merely going against what they have to work with. It is good experience for the quarterbacks too. They are going up against a defense that has veteran pedigree, and it is better for them moving forward as it simulates real game action in a way.

All in all, it appeared to be a solid day for the Carolina Panthers on the practice field Monday. Although they may still have some kinks to work out, it appears that things are finally starting to fall into place. Things do not have to be 100% in place as this is only the first week of the preseason, but it is nice to have a general idea of which players can be trusted in game situations if need be.

Must Read. Preseason depth chart surprises. light

The bottom line? So far, so good.

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