5 early observations from first Panthers training camp practice
By Dean Jones
Haason Reddick working with Carolina Panthers LBs
There has been plenty of speculation surrounding just where the Carolina Panthers are going to deploy Haason Reddick in 2021. The edge rusher reunited with Matt Rhule after a 12.5-sack campaign with the Arizona Cardinals, which could become another real force in generating pressure if the former first-round builds on a career-best campaign.
Reddick spent most of Carolina’s opening practice working with the linebacker unit, which is the strongest indicator yet that’s where he’s going to operate. There is also the option to slot him opposite Brian Burns as a defensive end in certain situations.
Having a versatile weapon such as Reddick is a tremendous addition to Phil Snow’s defense. The second level’s ability to get after the quarterback was almost non-existent in 2020 and if the Panthers put the Temple product opposite Shaq Thompson to start with, it’s going to help an untold amount.
Nobody will know how to get the most out of Reddick than Rhule. The coach is fully aware of his strengths and weaknesses, meaning that the best could still be to come where the player is concerned.
This is a bedding-in period over the first few days before things ramp up even more heading into the preseason schedule. Expect Reddick to be used in multiple ways now and when the regular season gets underway.