4 crucial observations from Matt Rhule’s pre-training camp presser
By Dean Jones
What were some crucial observations to take from Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule’s media availability ahead of training camp?
On the eve of players and coaches reporting to Wofford College in Spartanburg for a pivotal training camp, Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule spoke during some rare media availability this offseason.
The former Baylor man has been kept out of the firing line on occasions, which was probably wise given the speculation about his future. But he’s been a lot more prominent since the draft came to a conclusion as football draws nearer.
This is a monumental few weeks ahead for Rhule, who must put the right foundation in place to get the Panthers trending in the right direction. Anything less than genuine progression won’t be well received, so the pressure is well and truly on despite talk of a five-year plan earlier this spring.
With this in mind, here are four crucial observations from Rhule’s media availability pre-camp.
Crucial Observation No. 1
Carolina Panthers get Daviyon Nixon boost
According to Matt Rhule, the Carolina Panthers should be getting defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon back on the field for the start of training camp. The former fifth-round selection looked like a player of real promise before his rookie season was cut short after just seven games, so his return will be a significant asset for the defensive line to call upon.
Nixon slid in the draft due to character concerns that proved ill-founded based on his transition to the Panthers. It might take some time before the Iowa product gets back up to football speed, but having a full camp will help his cause enormously.
If everything goes well for Nixon in the coming weeks, expect him to become a prominent member of the team’s plans once again.