4 critical observations from Carolina Panthers 2023 training camp Day 9

What were some critical observations from the ninth official day of Carolina Panthers training camp practice before the 2023 campaign?

It's hard to believe we are already at the tail-end of training camp. Wofford College in Spartanburg has been a great host once again and will be packed in the coming days when the high-profile New York Jets descend for two days of joint practices before Saturday's preseason contest.

This is normally the time of camp when hitting different faces is welcome. There haven't been many issues with discipline under a much more efficient coaching regime this time around, which can hopefully continue when the time comes to lock horns with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a top-level defense led by Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner.

Until then, here are four critical observations from Carolina's ninth training camp practice of 2023.

Carolina Panthers taking it easy with vets

Frank Reich has been keen to take good care of his players during camp. After all, if the Carolina Panthers want to mount a serious NFC South title challenge next season, they'll need everyone fit and firing throughout.

Several veterans were seen without pads for this particular practice. The likes of Hayden Hurst, Adam Thielen, and Shaq Thompson didn't compete in drills, although all three were more than engaged from the sidelines.

This is all part of the process. Everyone knows what the more established figures can do and they are also fully aware of what it takes to prepare their bodies for a grueling 17-game campaign, so there's no point putting undue pressure on their shoulders ahead of joint practices with the New York Jets.

Carolina Panthers seeing more from C.J. Henderson

There's a different look to C.J. Henderson this go around. The cornerback is a man looking to silence some significant doubters and has an extra sense of motivation after the Carolina Panthers declined his fifth-year option.

Nobody expected Henderson's additional year to get triggered considering how his career's gone so far. However, the Panthers haven't given up on the player just yet and it's evident working under exceptional coaches has done the world of good up to now.

Henderson is benefitting greatly from Ejiro Evero's knowledge and the presence of DeAngelo Hall - one of the finest cover cornerbacks of his generation who's now embarking on the early stages of his coaching journey. These are two positive role models the former first-round selection hasn't had previously and the growth is there for all to see.

Sunday's practice saw Henderson come away with another confidence-boosting interception from Bryce Young. Of course, we've seen this all before from the one-time Florida stud during recent preparation periods - what he does between the white lines in a competitive setting is going to be far more crucial to his long-term aspirations.

There is still a great deal for Henderson to prove - he knows that better than anyone. But with Evero and Hall steering him in the right direction, it could be the spark the player's craved since entering the league.

Carolina Panthers LB Deion Jones settling in well

Arriving at a team late into training camp is not exactly the most ideal situation for any player. Thankfully for the Carolina Panthers, they've not experienced such complications with linebacker Deion Jones.

The Panthers wasted no time in signing Jones following a successful tryout. It took a few sessions to get his football legs back under him, but the Pro Bowler is starting to impact the defensive rotation and according to those in attendance, had a productive session on Sunday.

Jones was spotted generating pressure in obvious pass-rushing situations, which was pleasing. The former second-round selection also drew praise from head coach Frank Reich following practice, who stated that it looks like he's been around for the entirety of training camp rather than just a week or so.

This is a step in the right direction for Jones, who appeared to regress on the Cleveland Browns last season. He looks like a lock to make the 53-man roster currently, which gives the Panthers another productive performer to assist on the rotation and leader within the locker room.

With Kamu Grugier-Hill also catching the eye, Jones' emergence could spell bad news for Brandon Smith's future after just one season in Carolina. Therefore, the defensive second-level dynamic is going to be a must-watch storyline throughout the preseason.

Mixed bag for Carolina Panthers offense

After struggling to get anything going during Saturday's practice, Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers offense had a big point to prove. But that doesn't always guarantee success when push comes to shove.

There was a heavy dose of running plays according to those in attendance. When Young and other signal-callers did get their chance to throw, the timing was off and things looked a little disjointed before picking up late in the day.

Carolina's defense is a disruptive force right now. This was especially evident during the first live tackling of camp, with defensive lineman Derrick Brown wreaking havoc, in particular.

It's all part of the learning experience for an offense that was missing two key contributors in Hayden Hurst and Adam Thielen. Young is taking the rough with the smooth, but finishing on a high note with joint practices against the New York Jets and their imposing young defense is absolutely essential.

The Jets won't be doing Young or Carolina's offense any favors. Sunday's session was a mixed bag on offense - albeit with more situational football attached - which is probably why head coach Frank Reich plans to get some live game reps into his rookie quarterback at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday.

There's no need to panic just yet. And this is also a sign great things could be coming on defense under Ejiro Evero next season.