Comments from Carolina Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera.
On how linebacker Thomas Davis has looked since returning to the field: Very well. It was good to see him with his movement. He brings a little explosiveness to that group (linebacker). I'm excited to see him on the football field, I really am. He's had a good return since he had the foot situation. But ever since that thing has calmed down, it has been good.
On if Davis brings some swagger to the defense: Yes he does. He's a very confident football player. He knows his abilities and he's got a toughness about him that I think helps.
On if Davis will play against the Miami Dolphins: Yes, barring any setbacks or anything like that. But he's been great since (the foot situation). They caught it early, so it didn't turn into anything big, so that was the best part.
On who has caught his eye on special teams: The obvious one is Armanti (Edwards). That sticks out, so that's a no-brainer there. Charly Martin has done a really nice job; he's done some things. Thomas Williams, a linebacker, has done some really good things as well. (Kealoha) Pilares stands out as a guy that's going to be exciting to watch and continue to watch. There's a small group of them that have done some good things. Sean Ware blocking the kick is always a big thing. You find a guy that's trying to find a way to do things the right way. You've got to pay attention to guys like that. Kendric Burney is another guy that's stood out. There are several guys that could help themselves by playing well on special teams.
On the competition at the second wide receiver position: (It's) pretty good. We've got some guys that are stepping up and making things happen. I was real excited to see Brandon LaFell make some plays. Legedu Naanee is just consistent. We have a background with him so we know what he's about and that's a good thing for us. Then other guys that could help in that situation - Armanti, obviously, is one of them as is Pilares with the big-play ability. The run after catch is always exciting.
On only practicing once on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.: We're checking out (breaking training camp) early. It will give the guys an opportunity to get home and get off their feet, and we'll be ready to go.
On how he hopes the Panthers improve from the first to the second preseason game: Obviously, eliminating the mistakes - jumping offside and those things, protecting the ball better, not turning it over, getting some turnovers on defense, and improving on our third-down offense. If we've got a chance to catch the ball on third-and-long situations, catch the ball. Make good decisions. That's what we need to do as far as improving there.
On teaching running back Mike Goodson to not fumble: It's just repetition, repetition and it's constantly got to be ingrained. If it continues, then you've got a concern. But if we can get him to the point where it's no longer a focus. I know Tiki Barber was a big fumbler, and he made an adjustment. The next thing you know the guy had a couple of career years before he left.
On the status of cornerback Chris Gamble: It's that situation with the hamstring and the groin. You've just got to be careful. You don't want to get him out there too soon and overexpose him. At the same, we need to have him out there. That's why in all the walkthrough and installation periods you see him going through those things.
On if he has an update on quarterback Tony Pike's shoulder: No, nothing yet. Tony's still in California, so, hopefully, he'll be heading back today and we'll get to see him later on tonight.
On if Pike went to see a shoulder and arm specialist: Yes.
