After an eventful few weeks for all associated with the Carolina Panthers, it's time for players and staff to reflect, assess, and prepare for what's to come. The next big offseason date is training camp, which is sure to separate the men from the boys in the unrivaled heat of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
It's a busy time for headlines and hot takes, too. Among the stories causing waves recently include Donte Jackson on the changing atmosphere within the building, Thomas Davis Sr. delivering a thought-provoking message after practice, Frank Reich's high expectations, and Bryce Young reflecting on a whirlwind six weeks.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers CB Donte Jackson on change
One would be hard-pressed not to notice a great change in the atmosphere across the Carolina Panthers under Frank Reich's new regime. There is a new level of focus, determination, and vibrancy about the way everyone is going about their business - something that can hopefully come through onto the field in a competitive setting during the 2023 campaign.
There will be difficult times and this is a gradual process to potential contention. But the shift in purpose and camaraderie hasn't gone unnoticed by veteran cornerback Donte Jackson based on his comments via Augusta Stone from the team's website.
"Guys just actually want to be around each other. It's hard, when you've got a team full of guys during OTAs, to get everybody to just want to be around each other because the schedule is shorter, guys are doing stuff outside of the building. But this team this year has been different. Guys are just wanting to come in, even on like off days, even days when we get out early. Guys are staying after, just building and sitting in the locker room talking. Just kind of building the stuff that's going to be important come November and December, you know that you get all that right now."Donte Jackson via Panthers.com
This is the third permanent coaching staff Jackson's worked under since entering the league as a second-round selection out of LSU. So these comments about such big differences hold plenty of weight as he looks to make a successful return from a torn Achilles at Wofford College.
Carolina Panthers legend delivers powerful message
There was another member of Carolina Panthers royalty in attendance for the final day of their mandatory minicamp before a well-deserved summer break. Thomas Davis Sr. is the latest ex-player to visit the facility and see how things are unfolding under the new coaching regime, which is something Frank Reich wanted to take full advantage of.
After practice concluded, the head coach asked the 15-year veteran and All-Pro to speak with the players. What followed was a powerful message about not letting all their exceptional work throughout the preparation period so far go to waste before it's time to visit Wofford College once again for training camp.
When discussing Davis during his media availability after the session, Reich stated via USA Today Sports that being reminded of the standard set by those before is a great way for the next generation to realize what they are part of. Something that can also retain focus as they get left to their own devices.
"It’s a big deal. I mean, you guys know Thomas. My goodness, the guy’s incredible. So he comes out there and he just reminded us of the standard. Like, he reminded us of the standard that has been set here—before he got here, the standard they set. And it’s really on us as a team, players and coaches, to kinda get the Panthers back to that status of where we wanna be. And that’s our responsibility."Frank Reich via USA Today Sports
There haven't been many more intense or motivating players to ever put on a Panthers uniform than Davis. How the Panthers wish they had him on the field with this young group heading into the 2023 season.
Frank Reich feels Carolina Panthers positivity
As previously stated, there is a level of optimism surrounding the Carolina Panthers not seen for some time. The bar set by the previous regime wasn't exactly high, but it's been incredibly refreshing to see and feel nonetheless.
Everyone is pulling in the same direction. There are no personal agendas taking preference and professionalism across the board has improved exponentially in such a short space of time for good measure.
This obviously comes with increased expectations, too. Head coach Frank Reich feels the positivity around the building based on his comments via Augusta Stone of the team's website, but the experienced figure knows how important it'll be to keep everyone's feet on the ground before Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons arrives.
"I'm excited that there's a lot of positive energy. I feel it in the building. I feel it on the field with players. I feel it in the community with our fans, and I think our players feel that as well. Having been around this game for a while, I think you take the mode of 'we've got a lot,' we want to prove it every day. Are we excited? Yes. Do we have high expectations? We sure do. But I've learned through the years, don't get too far out in front of those expectations.So that'll be our focus."Frank Reich via Panthers.com
There are no more bold statements with little substance coming from those in positions of power. Everything is done with meticulous detail with the primary objective in mind, which can be the catalyst behind better fortunes in Carolina's future next season and beyond.
Bryce Young reflects on Carolina Panthers whirlwind
One could have forgiven Bryce Young for being a little dizzy after such an unbelievable six-week period that began with the Carolina Panthers selecting the quarterback at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Instead, he's gone about his business in a typically composed fashion.
Young transitioned smoothly to the scheme, is building bonds with teammates, and has led by example in a tone-setting manner that hasn't gone unnoticed. Coaches and teammates have been gushing with their praise so far, which also led to a quick surge to No. 1 on the quarterback depth chart as expected.
It was interesting to hear what Young thought about the Panthers' set-up after the final day of Carolina's mandatory minicamp. The former Alabama star stated via Darin Gantt on the team's website that being pushed and held accountable is exactly what the signal-caller was looking for to smooth his integration.
"And my teammates, again, embracing me, pushing me, holding me accountable. We all take responsibility here; it's a great group of guys that all look in the mirror first. We all come together, see what we could have done better, and then we'll talk about it. So, you know, I think it's just being able to build time with this coaching staff and his team and build a connection."Bryce Young via Panthers.com
Frank Reich was extremely pleased with Young's performances and the way he's conducting himself so far. Although the head coach was quick to point out the pads haven't come on yet, which brings a different set of challenges to overcome.