5 key observations from practice Day 6 at Panthers training camp
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers defensive line was dominant again
Another practice, another solid outing from the Carolina Panthers defensive line.
This unit has really hit the ground running throughout the first week of training camp, which only heightens expectations about what might be to come when there’s more on the line in the regular season.
Brian Burns was in a ruthless mood once again and had his way with almost everyone that was unfortunate enough to come up against him. The protection did have some nice moments – especially during run-blocking drills to open practice – but overall it was the defensive front that won the day again.
This is obviously going to be an ongoing theme until Carolina figures out just what the right combination is for their protection. The Panthers have two brutes on the interior in Derrick Brown and DaQuan Jones, who are flanked by some dynamic rushers such as Burns, Yetur Gross-Matos, Haason Reddick, and Morgan Fox.
Watching how this front develops in the preseason is also crucial.
Just how many reps the projected starters will get is still unclear. But Carolina also has plenty of young talent that can potentially become solid pieces of the rotation next season.
The defense showed some encouraging progression over the second half of 2020. They already look as if this group could hit make a bigger splash when competitive action begins this time around.