What were some critical observations to take from the second day of practice at Carolina Panthers training camp in Spartanburg?
There was no time for the Carolina Panthers to bask in a profitable first day of practice as players once again took to the Wofford College field for another session. It seemed a lot hotter and humid, but the atmosphere was much the same - excitement and enthusiasm aplenty where there was once nothing but misery and trepidation.
This is going to be a gradual process and the pads haven't come on yet. But that hasn't lessened the fascination with so many storylines attached to the Panthers heading into their potentially prosperous new era under Frank Reich.
With that being said, here are four critical observations to unpack from Carolina's second training camp practice heading into the 2023 campaign.
Carolina Panthers OLB Marquis Haynes' injury concern
This time of year is all about praying to the football gods for health leading into the season. There was a little scare for the Carolina Panthers on Day 2 when outside linebacker Marquis Haynes Sr. was forced off the field with what looked like a strain.
The pass-rusher got some treatment on the sidelines but didn't return. Perhaps this is just erring on the side of caution, but it did nothing to lessen the concerns surrounding the Panthers' lack of edge options opposite Brian Burns.
Hopefully, this was nothing more than a precaution and Haynes can get back to it on Friday. Yetur Gross-Matos filled in for the one-time Ole Miss standout, which indicates he's in pole position for a key depth role in 2023.
Carolina Panthers LB showing out
The Carolina Panthers have their starting middle linebacker tandem locked in next season. Frankie Luvu and Shaq Thompson should be a dynamic tandem within Ejiro Evero's creative 3-4 base scheme, but depth options behind the veteran duo represent something of a concern unless someone steps up.
Thankfully for the Panthers, a recent arrival is already beginning to rise from the proverbial wilderness. Kamu Grugier-Hill has taken the bull by the horns over the opening two sessions, displaying poise against the run and natural instincts in coverage that made everyone sit up and take notice.
The former sixth-round pick out of Eastern Illinois picked off Andy Dalton for the second-straight day, which is the best possible way to get noticed. Carolina has an opening behind the primary interior linebacking duo and Grugier-Hill might have the inside track thanks to his renowned ability to assist on special teams.
It's not like Grugier-Hill is a nobody talking off the street. The second-level defender went over 100 tackles for the Houston Texans in 2021 and is also a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in his career when Frank Reich was the team's offensive coordinator.
Grugier-Hill has a lot of hard work ahead. However, things couldn't have gone much better over the opening two days.
Rougher day for Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young
Things have been pretty flawless for Bryce Young from the moment he joined the Carolina Panthers. The quarterback's poise, precision, and composure played a leading role in the smoothest transition imaginable, but Thursday's practice represented the roughest day yet for the No. 1 overall selection.
Young's session wasn't a total dud. He made some nice connections to the likes of D.J. Chark and Jonathan Mingo, even if this was overshadowed somewhat by a pick-six at the hands of cornerback C.J. Henderson.
The former Alabama star followed this up by fumbling the snap. There were also some timing issues for Young with his pass-catchers, but it's all part of the learning experience and might be a good thing in the long run.
One of the biggest unknowns where Young is concerned - especially as it pertains to the NFL level - is how the signal-caller responds to adversity. It'll also be fascinating to see how teammates rally around the quarterback during Saturday’s session.
There are no alarm bells ringing. Frank Reich revealed that the interception was down to miscommunication on a stick route, which is going to happen at this time of year when players are still getting a feel for each other.
Young is under no illusions as to the size of the task awaiting him with the biggest expectations imaginable. How he performs on Day 3 will tell us plenty about his character and resolve.
Carolina Panthers making Miles Sanders a focal point
With all the talk surrounding running back salaries and certain established stars around the league not getting paid, it's only brightened the spotlight on Miles Sanders to a certain extent. The former second-round pick was in the minority for players at the position this offseason after getting a four-year deal with decent money attached, which can hopefully provide the Carolina Panthers with a three-down presence capable of setting the tone consistently.
Sanders is eager to repay the faith shown in him by the Panthers after the Philadelphia Eagles deemed him surplus to requirements. According to those in attendance at camp practice, it looks like the offense is going to run through the Penn State product early and often during games.
There was a slight blip from Sanders when he fumbled a hand-off with Bryce Young. But overall, the running back reportedly looked sharp and is providing a nice outlet out of the backfield in obvious passing situations.
Again, we are still early in the process. Chuba Hubbard looks lean and could factor into the equation, but all signs point to Sanders being the focal point unless something drastically unfortunate occurs between now and when Carolina travels to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.
Having a productive running back makes things easier for everybody. That's why Sanders could be the most important acquisition outside of Young in 2023.