5 big observations from practice Day 2 at Panthers training camp
By Dean Jones
![(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Carolina Panthers in the huddle (Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Carolina Panthers in the huddle](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fcatcrave-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F16474245-850x560-6c3ddcbe0b49bc43b5261812310414f575d3e1f88ba5b8427752e27bdd7d76b8.jpg)
Sam Darnold made some strides
Aside from the interception that bounced off D.J. Moore’s hands, it was a successful day at the office for Sam Darnold. The Carolina Panthers gave him a little more freedom to get the football downfield during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, which saw the signal-caller showcase his arm strength and leave plenty of reasons to be encouraged.
Darnold is a work in progress. Matt Rhule has told the player not to focus too much on being a leader and keep building on his fundamentals to ensure he hits the ground running in Week 1.
That’s not to say Darnold cannot become a leading figure. It’s just that others can do it while he picks things up.
One noticeable element to Darnold’s throws was the velocity. This was a stark contrast to anything the Panthers had with Teddy Bridgewater under center and will add a significant amount if the player can take this into a competitive environment.
We are still early in the training camp process. All Darnold needs to focus on is getting a little better each day and hopefully, more strides can be made when the pads officially go on for the first time next week.
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There was far more good than bad from Darnold on Day 2. And long may this continue.