What were some critical observations from the fourth official Carolina Panthers practice session of training camp heading into the 2023 season?
There was an incredible sense of excitement in the air as the Carolina Panthers got into pads for the first time since training camp began. This is normally the time when the tempo increases and things get more physical, which also helps head coach Frank Reich and his staff with their respective evaluations heading into final cuts.
The stifling humidity of Spartanburg showed no signs of slowing up on Monday. But pads can be a great leveler and all it might take for players to begin asserting their dominance no matter where they are positioned on the depth chart.
With this in mind, here are four critical observations from Carolina's fourth training camp practice and the first with pads popping.
Carolina Panthers get C.J. Henderson injury scare
As is normally the case at this time of year, the odd injury problem comes up. Marquis Haynes Sr. is currently sitting out practices and the Carolina Panthers were dealt another potential blow when cornerback C.J. Henderson went to the medical tent on Monday with a suspected groin problem.
Head coach Frank Reich wasn't aware of the severity of Henderson's complication after practice. We'll find out more following further tests, but this is the last thing Carolina or the former first-round pick needs if he's out for an extended period.
Henderson's looked like a man reborn throughout the early stages of camp. He's responding well to improved coaching and also looks extra motivated in a contract year, so derailing this positive momentum would be a bitter blow.
The Panthers are also desperately short of reliable depth at the cornerback spot. Fortunately, general manager Scott Fitterer has enough salary-cap space to utilize if further reinforcements are needed.
Derrick Brown's influence on Carolina Panthers DL
The Carolina Panthers have been impressive defensively throughout training camp so far. Bryce Young and the offense are giving them plenty to think about, which is only going to help both sides when the time comes to take the field for their regular-season opener at the Atlanta Falcons.
It's been encouraging to see the players taking on board increased and differing demands within Ejiro Evero's 3-4 base scheme. One of the most important cogs in this equation is Derrick Brown, who looks ready to enhance his outstanding efforts during the previous campaign heading into Year 4 of his professional career.
Brown is moving over to a 3-4 defensive end and has been wreaking his customary havoc. The Panthers offensive line is having a hard time coping with the former first-round selection, double-teaming him on almost every play in the hope it can somehow limit his overall influence.
This is allowing others around Brown additional space to work, so it's a win-win. Coping with double teams is something the one-time Auburn product's had to deal with throughout his college and pro career, so it's nothing new.
Carolina is banking on Brown to put up Pro Bowl-caliber numbers once again in 2023. If he can do this and others also respond well to a more diverse and dynamic defensive system, this unit could emerge as one of the league's surprise packages when it's all said and done.
Carolina Panthers asking more of Jonathan Mingo
It's been a slow burn as expected from Jonathan Mingo throughout training camp. The Carolina Panthers gave the wideout some extra leeway over the opening sessions to ensure he's bedded in sufficiently, which alleviated any unnecessary pressure ahead of an important rookie campaign for the second-round pick.
Mingo has a good opening to gain prominent targets right away after the Panthers included D.J. Moore in the package that secured the No. 1 overall selection and Bryce Young. The introduction of pads saw Carolina's staff ramp things up for the Ole Miss product according to those in attendance, which saw the receiver get plenty of work with the first and second-string units during Monday's session.
Not only did this sharpen up Mingo's route running, but John Ellis from 99.7 The Fox also highlighted the impressive work being undertaken in the blocking aspect which was perhaps more impressive. This selfless attitude might go unnoticed by the untrained eye, but it's something that will no doubt delight Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Thomas Brown.
Seeing some good work put in by Mingo in the blocking game
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) July 31, 2023
This is all from Mingo's perspective. He's got the size and physicality to help in whatever way the staff chooses during his initial transition, which would be a breath of fresh air for an offense that has a completely different feel to it with rookie signal-caller Young leading the charge.
Carolina Panthers RB Raheem Blackshear impresses
With Miles Sanders atop the running back depth chart and set to assume a three-down role, things don't look especially promising for Chuba Hubbard or Raheem Blackshear when it comes to increased involvement. However, things could change in the blink of an eye where players at the position are concerned, so quality depth is essential for the Carolina Panthers in pursuit of better fortunes.
Blackshear seems to be the No. 3 option but should make the team thanks to his pass-catching prowess. The undrafted free agent is also set to factor in the kick return game provided he beats out the likes of Shi Smith and Damiere Byrd to the role.
There was a lot to like about Blackshear's performance during Monday's session. He looked explosive and protected the football, which also saw a memorable highlight thanks to a deep connection with Andy Dalton that drew widespread cheers from those in attendance.
This is a nice confidence boost for Blackshear, who's loved in the locker room and as always produces the goods when called upon. Just how much involvement he accumulates during the regular season has yet to be determined, but Sanders handling 30-plus carries a game is asking for trouble.
Hubbard and Blackshear offer a nice change of pace. Something that can keep opposing defenses on their toes and avoid becoming too predictable with Sanders hogging the limelight.