CHARLOTTE — Wednesday wasn't the first day in pads, but it was among the first times this year that it definitely looked, sounded, and felt like football season.
From Jaycee Horn taunting the offense to Ja'Tavion Sanders and Chuba Hubbard giving it right back (and Mike Jackson returning serve), there was a back-and-forth like we haven't seen in a minute.
That's been consistent with the atmosphere throughout camp.
All offseason, we talked about expectations, and no one knows how good this team is going to be. But they clearly think they're going to be better, and they're behaving that way.
You can tell a lot about a team by the talent of the roster, but also sometimes by the way it sounds.
And the genuine glee in Dave Canales' voice when he started talking about a live scrimmage Saturday night at Fan Fest just adds to that feeling. (Those $5 tickets are still available, with proceeds going to Panthers Charities.)
These guys aren't shying away from contact and competition. The linemen doing one-on-ones are becoming must-see TV, because watching Tershawn Wharton play way above his weight against Robert Hunt is something to behold.
They wanted a more competitive roster, and they've got one. We'll find out in the months to come what it all means, but at the moment, it sounds like they believe they're going to be better.
------------------------------------------------------
Realistically, how much better do you expect the defense to be this season? Am I right to assume that the success or failure of the Panthers is going to depend on how well the defense performs? — Clarence, Forest City, NC
It's a little early in training camp to be this kind of reductive, but the point mostly stands.
It's also reasonable to think they're going to be a significant amount better, though that project isn't complete by any means. They're thin in a few spots, and have gotten thinner with the absence of Josey Jewell (who continues to experience concussion symptoms), but they're far more stable than they were last year, from front to back.
For starters, they have seven or eight actual NFL defensive linemen on the roster right now, at a position where they usually keep six. They didn't have that many last year.
And yes, one of them, the biggest one, is Derrick Brown, working his way back from last year's knee injury. Derrick's still easing his way back and expecting him to walk back in Week 1 and be back to the 103-tackle monster he was in 2023 is probably unfair. He's a large human coming back from a serious injury, and hasn't had the benefit of a full offseason of being well. Besides, that was one of the great individual seasons we've ever seen here, so expecting him to save things single-handedly isn't fair.
The good news is it doesn't depend solely on him. By adding Wharton and Bobby Brown III to a mix that already included A'Shawn Robinson, a solid core is being established. With some holdovers and some rookies added to the mix, it's a much deeper group.
With those guys hopefully stabilizing the run defense, it just creates a more sound foundation for everything behind them. By adding three significant pieces at outside linebacker (veteran Patrick Jones II and rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen), the pass rush should improve as well. That creates a better environment for some young defensive backs to succeed, led by a Pro Bowler in Horn and a tone-setter in the run game in Tre'von Moehrig.
Put it this way, the league average in points per game last year was 22.9, and if they'd have allowed that in each game coming down the stretch, they'd have beaten the Chiefs and tied the division-winning Bucs. Coupled with the strides they made on offense, that's something.
So this year's team doesn't have to pull a 2002-level turnaround (when a Dan Morgan-led defense went from 31st in the league in 2001 to second in a year). They just have to normalize results to become more competitive as a team.
When they're playing the way they want to, they run well (behind a big ol' offensive line) and take care of the ball. That'll help a defense, too.
So it's complicated, but it's also obvious they need to perform better on that side of the ball. That's not the only place they need to improve, though.
------------------------------------------------------
It's time for the annual debate about starters playing in preseason games. Watching the Panther Blueprint session on draft night, I was really impressed by the use of analytics. Wondering if the analytics team has studied the analytics around early season success and the starters getting live reps in preseason games. I sure hope we see them play. I was at Wofford a couple of years ago for the Jets joint practice, and the live scrimmages didn't seem to match the intensity they will get in live game action. With the talent on our team, we don't need any excuses for a slow start. — Steve, Landrum, SC
There are a couple of things at play here. Game reps are naturally more intense than any practice reps, even joint practices against another team. That's just the nature of competition and human beings.
That doesn't mean it's wise to put your best guys at unnecessary risk by overexposing them.
Just as with porridge, chairs, and beds, the challenge is finding the amount that's just right. And it's hard to write code that points to the one true way to preseason.
Bryce Young didn't play in the first two games last season, and played 12 snaps in the preseason finale at Buffalo (it will forever be known as The Drive).
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts didn't play any, and that worked out OK for him. Then again, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes played 24 snaps in two preseason games before parking it, including an extended 20-snap run in the second game. Josh Allen played eight snaps in the opener, and he won the MVP. Lamar Jackson didn't play any, and he probably should have. Joe Burrow got 13 snaps in the first game and wasn't seen until the regular season, while Jayden Daniels played 47 preseason snaps as a rookie and that worked for his team (Bryce played 54 preseason snaps as a rookie in 2023, and it didn't).
But it's not just about quarterbacks. The Panthers have a lot of new people they need to see get reps together. But do they need to see Taylor Moton or Derrick Brown in the preseason? Not necessarily.
Dave Canales will surely be asked about the plan next week, leading into the Browns game. But until then, it's reasonable to think that some would be beneficial. As Canales enters his second year, he self-scouts too, so expecting him to be the same guy with the same ideas seems unlikely.
We'll see how it shakes out next week, but my guess is that the right answer is "some, but hopefully not too many."
------------------------------------------------------
This feels like the first offseason in a while where there has been a general sense of optimism around the team. Great to read all the coverage of camp each day. As a transplant to Florida, I go to the game at Tampa every year and get to throw in Jacksonville this year too! We haven't won IN Florida since 2017, somehow. At a certain point, I have to wonder if I'm the problem. Is this the year?!? — James, Sarasota, FL
Hey everybody, we found him. It was all James' fault. Seriously, what's wrong with you? Why would you do that, Florida Man?
James, hopefully you haven't fully assimilated, because no one looks that good in jorts and a perma-tan other than Pete Prisco.
(And not to be a well-actually guy, but the Panthers beat the Bucs on the road in 2019; it just so happened that Tampa took their "home" game to London's Tottenham Stadium — Come on you Spurs).
But you're not the only one picking up on the optimism. The Panthers are clearly getting better, and the arrow is moving in a consistent direction for them. As is evident in a lot of this week's mail.
------------------------------------------------------
Is it too big a stretch to assume that Dan Morgan would only like to get help in the secondary or linebacker positions if 1) it becomes a demonstrated need or 2) he can get a good CB, S, or LB on a one-year deal that won't break the bank? I'm sure Josey Jewell's concussion carryover caught them by surprise, but now they need an extra LB who could become an every-down player if we get another injury. Most veterans would like a two-year deal. I think the Panthers wait to see if they feel like one of the rookies could fill in capably, and then if not, they get a vet for a year.
In the same conjecturing mode, I think the front office saw LB as a position of need in a year (i.e., you use a first- or second-round pick there). If the safety or corner positions show a need for more support, then that becomes the second high-priority draft pick for next year. — Bob, Aurora, CO
You cracked the code. Friends, Bob has figured it out. He's a seer. He has transcended knowledge and attained wisdom. I bow to your Buddha nature, Bob.
Either that, or he's been paying attention to Panthers.com and has been taking Dan Morgan at his word with how he wants to build this thing.
The Panthers could run out now and sign some 30-something linebacker, but if you've played enough in the league to be a 30-something linebacker, you likely aren't all that enthused about coming to training camp where it's a million degrees if you don't have to.
So that means these are free reps for Christian Rozeboom and Trevin Wallace, a chance to see if they can be the guys in the middle this year. If you get through the next four weeks and they clearly aren't, you could always go get the 30-something. He'll still be at home, chilling.
But if those four weeks lead to something resembling progress for new players in those roles, then you're dealing.
The reality is, whoever is playing linebacker will be better at his job because of all the investments up front. If the floor is stable, the ceiling might be higher. So you might as well find out.
As to the length of contracts, they've clearly demonstrated that they value flexibility. So the guys they see as core players generally get contracts for three years or more, while they're keeping a lot of people on one-year deals.
------------------------------------------------------
Do we need to be concerned about inside linebacker? There has been so much turnover, and with Jewell gone, we don't have a veteran returning from last year. I am hopeful about Trevin Wallace, but I also wonder about asking him to be our established leader in the middle of the defense as just a second-year player. Are we expecting Rozeboom to fill that role this year? Maybe Moehrig from the back end? — David, Midlothian, VA
Wouldn't ordinarily go with back-to-back linebacker questions, but David does touch on an important component of this deal.
Even though he's a safety, Tre'von Moehrig was envisioned as a big part of the improvements in run defense.
According to our friends at Pro Football Focus, he ranked sixth among all safeties in the league last year in run defense grade. Of the five cats ahead of him, three went to the Pro Bowl (Brian Branch, Kyle Hamilton, Derwin James Jr.).
While most people think of safeties as deep cover guys, Moehrig is a versatile defender who can do a lot of different stuff. And that versatility has value, but his ability to come up and be a force in the run game is absolutely why he was a priority signing on the first day of free agency.
------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for taking our questions and giving us straight answers, and for putting this in print and not a podcast. Being a Boomer, I still enjoy reading information rather than listening to it. Now my question - reading what Dabo Swinney has been saying about Hunter Renfrow - that although he's short, he's a Superman, do you think we may have scarfed up another "89"? I sure hope so. It would be wonderful to see a reincarnation of Steve Smith on the field for us. — Linda, Charlotte
Linda, my people. Welcome. In fact, if you want to print this Mailbag out and read it on your porch while you enjoy a delightful beverage, that makes the experience that much better. (Tangentially, I recently subscribed to the print edition of The Onion, and the tactile experience of holding it up and reading it makes it worth every nickel.)
Steve Smith's like a Highlander, there can be only one. And that's a 1986 pop culture reference a Boomer ought to get.
Renfrow doesn't need to be the next anything, necessarily, just a current version of himself.
This guy caught 103 passes and went to the Pro Bowl in 2021, and was recognized as one of the best route-runners in the league. Then he got sick. Now he's better. And while he's been out of the league for a year and is currently dealing with a minor hamstring, he's had a great camp.
Poor Moehrig up there has gotten the worst of it in some one-on-ones over the last week, because it's hard to match Renfrow's start-stop-accelerate ability. And so have other defensive backs. He's equal opportunity.
Seeing Swinney at practice the other day was a helpful reminder that it hasn't been that long since Renfrow was winning national titles for Clemson as a walk-on amongst five-stars, and then he came to the NFL and made a name for himself.
The best news is he's well and has a plan now for keeping himself strong and healthy through camp. And while he may not have a cape, he may end up with a helmet on game day. That's how good he's looked.
------------------------------------------------------
Hi Darin, long-time reader, first-time caller. I have a football-adjacent question before the football really kicks into high gear. What's behind all of the different uniform combinations the team has been wearing during the last few seasons?
Some I love, like the blue on white. I think that's one of the cleanest uniforms in the NFL. Other combinations not as much, but I won't yuck someone else's yum. It's been cool to see a lot of new looks and ones from history that were long forgotten. The white jersey with silver pants was a pleasant surprise, ... but everything looks better when you're winning. I saw somewhere recently that the Panthers wore 14 different combinations last season. Is that something the team is actively trying to do? Replicate Oregon as much as the NFL will allow? Bonus question, if you'll allow it. Do you think the Panthers will ever swap the black primary jersey for Process Blue? — Ethan, Charlotte
Love a good uniform question, and appreciate the Oregon reference. All that change isn't what I'd necessarily pick since I'm an old, and not remotely the target audience. I'm not even very good with colors (me in a paint store is torture, all 12 of those blues look exactly alike to me, honey).
But variety is the spice of life, and many people enjoy it, so as you say in other words, I'd never harsh your mellow.
We did a uniform bracket back in the spring, and the winning combination in fan voting was the all-black look. I get that; it does look sweet, especially in the rain. But there are entire months when it isn't really an option.
My personal preference is the traditional black jersey, silver britches combo. And I felt justified in that opinion when some guy named Luke agreed with me. When I think about Sam Mills, that's what I think of him in. Same with Luke Kuechly.
But it's a big world, and there's room for us all.
As to whether the blue would ever become the primary jersey and black the alternate, that would certainly open a lot of options on the calendar, since no one wants to wear dark uniforms when it's this hot. If black were the alternate, you could still wear it about as often as you do now (they wore black jerseys four times last year, blue twice, and white 11). The league changed the rules again this year to allow teams to wear their alternates four times, and alternate helmets with more than one color of jersey. That opens the door to more experimentation, which is cool.
I'm also aware that that's a decision made far beyond my pay grade, one that would take years to implement, and that the crystal remains in Ben McAdoo's other pants. So we'll see.
But your larger point is the salient one. The best jersey for fans is the one the team is winning in.
------------------------------------------------------
Even on days when practices are closed to the outside media, I'm assuming you and Kassidy still get access during those times? Are there any times when y'all aren't allowed? Tell us how it feels to be on the inside of such an exclusive group of people that many see as superstars/celebrities when it's just a normal day at the office for you. — Kevin, Mint Hill, NC
Well, it's our job. So we just kind of do it. There are certainly times we don't have access (day-before game prep, team meetings, a lot of stuff), but we've got more access than anyone else, so we understand the responsibility that comes with that. It's cool to run into JJ Jansen at the coffee machine, until you realize you're late for a meeting because you just spent 30 minutes talking about (fill in the blank) since he didn't have a meeting at that moment.
What I've found out is that this large group of human beings is made almost entirely of human beings. Some are smart and funny, some are quiet. Some are introverts, some are extroverts. Some like Kendrick, some like Metallica. There are single dudes, and there are dads. (There are a lot of dads, like Adam Thielen. The reason Bryce Young and the receivers went to Minnesota to work out this summer is because dads reach a point in life where the goal is to be as close to home as often as possible. ["Want to go out for a drink?" "Why don't you guys come over here instead?" is an actual dad conversation.] This suspicion was confirmed by Adam's wife.)
The point is, we do experience these guys at a different level because we work in the same building and travel in the same plane, but not for any reason other than to share what we learn with you. When Kassidy got to talk to Scourton and Umanmielen about their after-hours study habits in the team hotel during the early weeks of their time here, that was a story that was built on seeing people at times beyond regular media opportunities.
Realizing Jonathan Goodwin was going to be here this summer as a coaching intern alongside his brother Harold was a conduit to talk to their amazing mother, Joyce.
Not seeing the institution, Dom Capers, for a few days and wondering what's up led to seeing the delight in the building when he came back from hamstring surgery.
Getting to know players without their helmets and coaches off the field makes them more accessible to fans. That's what they hired us to do, and we work as hard as we can to share that connection with the people who matter most.
------------------------------------------------------
Hi Darin, it's Max from Idaho again. I hope the weather is treating you well down there. Had a question and a feel-good story for you. First off is a question: Do you see JT Sanders making a leap this year? Why does he seem so underrated?
The feel-good story is second: I'm a nurse at a local ER and had a patient come in with a broken arm. He was losing his marbles and wouldn't let us touch him. Within a minute, I realized this kid was wearing a Jaycee Horn jersey, and I was finally able to get him calmed down and keep him distracted by talking about our favorite team, the Carolina Panthers. I even recommended that he read your Mailbag to stay updated on all the news. Here's to hoping your week is blessed and everyone stays safe at camp! — Max, Sandpoint, ID
I think JT is appropriately rated at the moment. He's taking advantage of the time and extra reps allowed by Tommy Tremble's recovery, and he's looking like a significant part of the offense. He's also got a little swag about him, as we learned when he scored on Jaycee and spun the ball at him. Canales had to yell at him about the penalty for taunting they'd have incurred in a game, but it's easy to see he secretly enjoyed the competition.
It sounds corny, but people make real connections over football. We've had letters in this Mailbag about blind people from other countries meeting fellow fans, and we've had exchanges of vintage memorabilia among people who'd have never met. We've had people reach out to cancer patients offering support. So in the course of Max's job in Idaho of all places, he was able to use the common ground of being Panthers fans to help somebody going through a bad time.
If we can't use these opportunities to connect in a divided world, then what are we doing? Love that story, Max, so you're this week's Friend Of The Mailbag, and we'll get the appropriate honorarium on the way. Keep spreading the love, even if somebody comes in wearing a different jersey (which I know you will).
------------------------------------------------------
Hello Darin. I'm a new Panthers fan and I enjoy following the team on a daily basis. I dig the Panthers website and especially your newsletter portion of the site. I believe the Panthers will win their division and have a deep run in the playoffs. Dan knows what he's doing, and Dave is the right man for the job. As a coach, you've got to love the guys you're coaching, and Dave loves his team, I can promise you that, and the players know it too. I can hardly wait to watch it happen. I know you can't come out and predict winning the division and the playoff run, but I know you agree with me. Oh, and I haven't heard or seen Anish Shroff lately. Is he still with the team? I like that guy. I hope he's still in the mix. Anyways, keep the stellar work that you do coming. — Kimo, Harbor City, CA
Appreciate the kind words, Kimo, and welcome. The optimism is real.
You mean North Carolina sportscaster of the year Anish Shroff? Yeah, he's still here, and the plan is for him to be at practice on Friday on the live stream.
They had a good one earlier this week, and we're looking forward to bringing more your way.
------------------------------------------------------
Hey Darin! Hope the offseason has been good to you and all the media team. I truly think over the past couple of years, our team's in-house content creators are the envy of the league, and it has been awesome as a fan to see! I've got a football question and a food question,
I know no one really knows until Week 1 how a team looks, but I have wondered if there are small bits to be gained within the next 3-4 weeks. Since you've seen more offseasons with this team than Ben McAdoo's crystal ball has predicted futures, what tangible indicators do you look for in training camp to gauge how good a team might be? As someone who follows others' observations during this time, I've noticed that optimism tends to be the loudest trumpet — while the players or position groups that aren't mentioned often end up being the most concerning.
Secondly, my friends and I here in the Charleston area are from Charlotte but have been gone for almost 10 years. We are planning a trip to Bank of America Stadium to watch a game and want to grab some food beforehand. What are some good "quiet" spots we can get food on the way? — Stephen, Awendaw, SC
My brother, if you are from Suburban Charleston, you have access to good food already.
Charlotte's has become an amazing food town, so many options are out there, but my favorites are always some of the old staples. If you get here before 3 p.m. on Friday, I'm always going to recommend burgers at Brooks' Sandwich House. Again, we're blessed with many options, but my go-to special occasion place remains Beef N Bottle down in the non-trendy part of South Boulevard. You can spend a lot more for a steak if you want to, but the food and the experience are unparalleled. If you're just driving up Sunday morning, let Bojangles take care of your tailgate. I never get tired of talking to Bo-Linda at the drive-through, and have the waistline to prove it. Although, Suarez Bakery on Park Road makes a mean apple fritter. So many choices.
As for things you see in camp, and part of this I hate to say out loud, but it's often vibes and health. If you're fortunate to get through without major injuries, you are truly fortunate. Football is a game of attrition, and having more dudes is always a benefit.
That said, you can spot a truly competitive atmosphere of a team that's on the rise. Saw it in 2002, saw it in the early 2010s, and you're seeing glimpses of it now. Having a Jaycee Horn around to light fires (and put them out) is good for a team.
------------------------------------------------------
Hi Darin! First, I'd like to thank Jimmy from Wilmington for sharing his battle and also being direct about it. I speak for me, but I believe in real examples from life for me and my kids as both teaching and humbling lessons - and also as a way to connect, whatever way we can, and send good thoughts and prayers - through this Mailbag in this case. Keep Pounding!
The question is about the Happy Half-Hour: if you and Kassidy will be able to do it until the end of training camp at this ratio? It's been a great addition for us fans to follow and know even more from training camp. It's still more practical for me listening in podcast form - although I had to see on video form the little Andy Dalton. Good advice to not see the video version while driving! Here in São Paulo, it's impossible to see even while walking, as you either will have your phone stolen, or if you're crossing a street on a red light for cars, you can be hit, as we must have an unwritten law that a car can still go on three seconds after the red light. It's sad, but it's real life, and we try not to affect ourselves, especially when listening to great audio! Let's all Keep Pounding! — Fernando, São Paulo, Brazil
Yep, Jimmy's a fighter, and has a lot of people in his corner he's never met. Such is the power of the internet. If we can use it for good every now and then to lift people up, we should.
We're committed to daily Happy Half Hours every weekday when there's practice through the end of camp. And maybe we should be committed for that. Next episode coming Friday.
I'm sure we'll get tired, but if we ever run out of stuff to say, we'll just invite Jansen upstairs. He's always good for content.
Otherwise, we're locked in through camp, or until we run out of space for items on our Shelf Of Fame. And yes, please don't watch the video version while driving, no matter what Kassidy or any other young person says. We want you to be safe for the next episode.
------------------------------------------------------
While I realize it's a bit sophomoric, I can't help but imagine that you must light up with pure glee when a nugget like this hits your ear holes, fully aware of how perfectly it's going to add that chef's kiss to your story, elevating it to a whole new level of brilliance.
"It looked like he took a shot in the groin right there,' he said. 'We're asking our guys to punch the ball; sometimes they take it a little too literally, so he went down in a heap, but I think he'll be all right."
Thank you for all the great writing that lets this kid (though, being in my mid-50s, I'm hardly a kid any longer) from Hickory keep up with his beloved Panthers while living in Chattanooga. — Jensen, Chattanooga, TN
From one kid from (suburban) Hickory in his mid-50s to another, thanks. Yeah, I laughed when Canales gave that "injury update" on Sanders the other day. This is still football, and it's still fun. We're pro-fun here at the Mailbag, and as a founding member of the William Herschel Society, I'm not afraid of making stupid sophomoric jokes from time to time.
Speaking of funny, I'm telling you people that Bryce Young has more of a sense of humor than people give him credit for. His press conferences can be less-than-thrilling at times, but when he was asked about Dabo Swinney's comment that Renfrow didn't look big, but when he got on the field, he became Superman, Young's deadpan reply was perfect.
"I don't think I'm at liberty to say what a normal person looks like," Young cracked, with perfect comic timing.
Try the veal, Bryce.
------------------------------------------------------
And on that note, let's go lightning round, brought to you by the patron saint of the lightning round Jeff from Fuquay-Varina, to close it out this week.
As a guy who has seen it all when it comes to the Panthers, what is your opinion on there not being fans at this year's or next year's training camp? In all due honesty, I expect the company line from you. Why did the Panthers cut ties with Wofford when they knew that they were going to be building in Charlotte? This reeks of convenience for the Panthers. — Murph, Winston-Salem, NC
Not having fans is a drag, but it's only because the practice fields here are a construction site. Times have changed. Only six teams go away to camp anymore, and that's absolutely because of convenience. And it's not specific to Wofford, a place most people enjoyed while it lasted. But not having to pack up and move an entire operation's worth of stuff twice is a major advantage for football teams, along with the benefits of working in familiar spaces with the normal amount of equipment.
Hopefully, in the future, we can get fans back in there because accessibility is one of the charms of training camp. But until then, come to Fan Fest Saturday night. The weather's going to be great, and they're going to have what amounts to a live scrimmage.
With our strong offensive line and ground game, along with a bunch of possession receivers, do you anticipate our offense being more about ball control and clock management? — Doug, Charlotte
Dave Canales is young and good-looking, but he calls a game like a much older coach. He wants to run, and run stubbornly, and that's what they intend. That doesn't mean guys like Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette and company won't make plays downfield, but this team is built to grind.
Would John Madden love to call a Panthers linebacker trio BOOGIEBAMBOOM? — Westray, Kershaw, SC
Boogie Basham, Bam Martin-Scott, and Rozeboom lend themselves to a certain athletic onomatopoeia. And Madden would certainly have loved it, if not as much as you do.
It just sounds like football. It's that time of year.
