4 challenges the Panthers have faced at training camp so far
By Dean Jones
Too much intensity?
One noticeable element of training camp has been the increase in intensity. This is something that Matt Rhule wants to install from the moment he arrived from Baylor. But whether this is too much for the Carolina Panthers’ young roster to cope with is up for debate.
Bringing a winning mentality to an organization that became stagnant and complacent under Ron Rivera during his final two seasons will not be easy. The Panthers were ruthless with their decision-making during free agency. And this has only increased the urgency for incoming players, rookies, and seasoned pros to perform for the new regime.
Everybody is working with a clean slate at camp. Rhule is keen for every member of the roster to get their chance to shine with no preseason games. But we should start to see what sort of starting lineup he will be going with over the next fortnight.
Some roster members were seen throwing up on the sidelines on Thursday during practice. This is a further indication of just how hard the coaching staff is pushing them ahead of the season. And it is sure to be a culture shock to those who spent time at camp under Rivera.
It could be the making of them. But too much intensity might have a detrimental impact if certain roster members don’t respond to the challenge.