5 key observations from Panthers joint practices with Patriots Day 1

Carolina Panthers were not going to be rolled over

Donte Jackson spoke during camp about the Carolina Panthers coming into the season with a newfound mentality. They will not be rolling over for anyone and will stand up in the face of pressure or aggression by any means necessary to achieve their goals.

This was evident from start to finish in their opening joint practice with the New England Patriots. There was plenty of chatter on the field and from the sidelines from the hyped-up roster, something that brought plenty of energy and some memorable moments on defense.

Of course, practices like this often spill out of control. Something that occurred late in the day with two separate skirmishes that resulted in five players being tossed including Panthers duo Kenny Robinson and Phil Hoskins.

Matt Rhule stated after the session that they came here to practice, not to fight. But he had to be pleasantly pleased with the reaction from his players, which was a far cry from the whimper they displayed on Day 1 of joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts last summer.

If this aggression is harnessed in the right way and everyone keeps singing from the same hymn sheet, then the Panthers might be onto something at long last.