4 key observations from recent Carolina Panthers practices
By Dean Jones
Mike Davis winning the RB2 battle?
One of the more surprising performers at training camp has been Mike Davis. The running back had plenty to do in order to make the 53-man roster with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. But it is a challenge the player has clearly relished.
Davis’ head was on the chopping block thanks in no small part to his $3 million in base salary next season. It wouldn’t cost the Panthers anything in the way of dead cap money if they moved on from the back. But his performances during team drills so far have virtually confirmed him as a lock to make the team.
Matt Rhule has been glowing in his praise for Davis, and with good reason. He has been nothing short of exceptional over the past fortnight and he might even have overtaken Reggie Bonnafon as the primary backup option to All-Pro Christian McCaffrey.
This would be an outstanding achievement for Davis. Whoever wins the No. 2 role might be in line for more carries as the Panthers look to take some of the load off their new face of the franchise. But he will know more than most that nothing is guaranteed in the NFL.
This should ensure his high standard of play should continue until camp reaches a conclusion. This would make it extremely difficult for Carolina’s coaching staff to leave him out of their plans.