Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as Frank Reich's men head into the business end of training camp in 2023?
We are now heading into the final days of training camp before the Carolina Panthers leave the humid climate of Spartanburg and get into their normal game-week routines as the 2023 season draws ever closer. There is a lot to get through before then, which also includes the New York Jets coming to Wofford College for joint practices - the toughest measuring stick yet for a group that's going through some slight issues currently.
Until then, among the stories causing conversation recently include Bryce Young on the offense's struggles, Austin Corbett's recovery, Chuba Hubbard's team-first mentality, and DeAngelo Hall on his transition into the coaching world.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers hope for Austin Corbett
Missing Austin Corbett to begin the campaign is a big blow for the Carolina Panthers. The veteran free-agent signing made a massive impression on the offensive line during his first campaign in 2022, which ended on an extremely sour note after suffering a torn ACL in their season-finale against the New Orleans Saints.
It's been a long, hard rehabilitation period for Corbett, which the Panthers have documented on their website. When asked about the former Nevada star's recovery, head coach Frank Reich preached patience via Sports Illustrated while also remaining optimistic he'll be back soon.
"Still optimistic. He's still ahead of schedule, but we're not rushing that. I mean, we're not anticipating him being ready for Week 1. We'll just be patient. He's doing great. If you watched him move around, you'd say he looks like he could play Week 1 but that kind of injury, you go somewhat by the progress that they're making and then to that injury, there's just, it takes what it takes as far as time. And years of history of that injury tell you don't rush even when they're way ahead of schedule, it's still better to be cautious and don't get him in there too soon."Frank Reich via Sports Illustrated
Hopefully, there will be no bumps in the road and Corbett return in good time. Before then, opportunity knocks for the likes of Cade Mays, Justin McCray, or Chandler Zavala depending on who steps in at right guard.
DeAngelo Hall on Carolina Panthers transition
Frank Reich's connections and David Tepper's almost unlimited resources allowed the Carolina Panthers to assemble arguably the league's best coaching staff team. This is a stark contrast to the previous regime and has already emerged as a positive influence throughout a busy preparation period.
Reich has a nice blend of youth and experience within the coaching ranks. There are former and future NFL head coaches from top to bottom, which can hopefully bear fruit in terms of development and results between the white lines.
One new arrival is trying his hand at the coaching side for the first time. DeAngelo Hall is a former All-Pro cornerback who is now passing on his exceptional knowledge to the next generation and the results have been almost instant with the likes of Keith Taylor Jr. and C.J. Henderson based on their production throughout training camp so far.
When asked about his recent transition, Hall stated via the team's website that the credibility he brings after such an illustrious playing career is something that holds weight and is allowing for relationships to be built quicker.
"I think you come with a little more credibility when you've done it. It's totally different because you can't go out and physically affect the game; you've got to affect it with your work, you got to affect it with the process, your due diligence. Coaching is a partnership between me and that player to try to get the best out of them. And, you know, I want them to make plays more than I think I wanted to make them for myself. I think the passion and the desire to want to put those guys in a position to make plays is probably even bigger than it was for myself."DeAngelo Hall via Panthers.com
Hall is one of many ex-players currently on Carolina's staff. And the newfound respect across the board is a breath of fresh air.
Chuba Hubbard putting Carolina Panthers first
Miles Sanders was acquired by the Carolina Panthers in free agency to become their No. 1 running back. A three-down weapon capable of putting up numbers and filling the void left by Christian McCaffrey, who was traded to the San Francisco 49ers just before the 2022 deadline.
Sanders will be the backfield focal point and is getting plenty of looks in the passing game during camp so far. What that means for the likes of Chuba Hubbard remains to be seen, but the former fourth-round selection out of Oklahoma State has bulked up and is willing to do whatever is asked next season based on his comments via The Charlotte Observer.
"I want to be an all-purpose back. First, second, third down. And that requires catching the ball. I’ve definitely gained weight. Just working on getting stronger. These last couple seasons, throughout the season, I’ve lost quite a bit of weight as the season has gone on. And I got a little slimmer, looking like a receiver at times (laughs). So I definitely said I have to bulk up a little bit. Obviously still be fast and explosive and all that, so I’ve worked on it. It’s been really good so far. To be honest, whatever they put me as, I’m following behind that. Wherever they need me, I’m there."Chuba Hubbard via Charlotte Observer
Hubbard showed growth last season after a disappointing rookie campaign. There are still some issues from a pass-catching standpoint that are rearing their head again at camp, with the continued emergence of Raheem Blackshear something else that could jeopardize his touches when competitive action arrives.
In fairness to Hubbard, he looks in tremendous shape. But that isn't always enough and it'll be interesting to see how the player gets on during any preseason involvement that comes his way.
Bryce Young on Carolina Panthers offensive struggles
It's not been easy for the Carolina Panthers offense in recent days at training camp. Ejiro Evero's defense is hitting its stride and making things extremely difficult, causing havoc at the line of scrimmage and disjointing the other side of the football considerably.
Saturday's session was arguably the most dominant day yet on defense. Bryce Young had a rough session and was let down by multiple drops from his pass-catchers, which left the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft under no illusions as to the challenges ahead based on his post-practice statements via USA Today Sports.
"Yeah, a lot of stuff to clean up on tape. Defense definitely won the day today. And there’s a lot of things that I gotta do better. Us, as a unit, we have to do better. I have to do better individually, all of us. We take responsibility, we take accountability for that stuff. Obviously, a lot of stuff on tape today that we gotta go back and correct. But we have to put in perspective that there’s always gonna be negatives, there’s always gonna be positives in camp. Back and forth, we’re going up against a great defense every single day."Bryce Young via USA Today Sports
This is all part of the learning curve and it's also worth remembering the Panthers are without their starting right guard currently. It's a work in progress and Young is also going through his own transition, so how they fare against the New York Jets' imposing young defense in joint practices will provide a better perspective about what this unit might accomplish in 2023.
As for the defense - it's all systems go.