BROWN'S BIG DAY: Wide receiver Corey Brown was inches away from reeling in what would have been the play of the game last Friday in Buffalo. On Monday, he and the quarterbacks were right on target.

Brown made a number of catches on intermediate routes. His best came on a corner route against cornerback Bene Benwikere. Brown created enough separation and tracked the pass from Derek Anderson high over his shoulder for a big gain.

EARNING A CHANCE: After making a good impression in the preseason opener, reserve defensive ends Rakim Cox and Arthur Miley were given some first-team reps Monday.

Head coach Ron Rivera said it was a matter of rewarding two players a chance to run with the ones and see how they react.

"Based on what they did, we wanted to take a look and see how they do against first- and second-teamers," Rivera explained. "It's a testament to how they played. They created an opportunity, so they're going to get an opportunity.

"They played against guys of equal talent and had success (against Buffalo). We've got to find out if they can do it against first and second groups."

TRICKS IN TRAFFIC: Tight end Greg Olsen has always made a living finding and creating open space over the middle. Now that he's playing slot receiver more frequently, Jerricho Cotchery is doing the same. During special teams drills, the two veteran pass-catchers chatted on the sideline about out-breaking routes and the little details that can go a long way in tight spaces.

TAKE TWO: Olsen wasn't able to haul in a short touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone – a rare sight for the Pro Bowler. But quarterback Derek Anderson made sure to give him a chance at redemption on the next play. Olsen beat rookie safety Dean Marlowe off the snap and secured a touchdown catch over the middle.

BLOCK PARTY: For the first time this camp, the Panthers worked on blocking punts and field goals. Players reached out with both hands to work on stopping the ball off the kickers' foot without unnecessary contact that could draw a flag.