Everyday we try to bring you a story that you can’t learn unless you’re directly in the – make that next to – the trenches like we are, attempting to give you not just an overall look at Panthers training camp and the way players are competing, who’s looking good or bad on a daily basis or simply who’s taking reps at what spot to try and give you a full picture of camp and how this roster might fit together – today’s story comes courtesy of the linebacker group, who is being coached this year by former Broncos linebacker and Air Force coach Steve Russ but has the advantage of having two coaches on the field for every down. It’s humorous hearing Russ compliment Kuechly on some of his reps or showing TD exactly how he wants him to place his hands when shedding a block – even some of the best in the league can learn on a daily basis. The linebackers, like many groups, are extremely competitive – that manifested itself today in Davis and Russ racing from midfield along the sidelines to the blocking dummies in the back of the end zone. Davis won, but just barely; Russ smiled and put his hands on his knees, “I had to slow up, I was afraid I was going to pull a hamstring!”

Here are some other storylines we noticed today:

  • INJURY UPDATES: First, the good news – Curtis Samuel and Bryan Cox, Jr were back on the field, slowly working their way back into the groove with their respective units. While Cox didn’t flash from the DE position – it takes a lot to flash on the lines when there’s no contact – Samuel had a nice route and catch along the sidelines to highlight his first day in pads. He’ll take a few days to shake off the rust, though, as he had a pretty bad drop during individual drills; he immediately yelled that he wanted to take it again and made the catch. A late start, but certainly better than last season when he re-aggravated a hamstring injury during the first practice.
  • Sitting out practice today and working on the side were Fred Ross, tight end Jason Vander Laan and rookie safety Rashaan Gaulden – Vander Laan told me after practice that he tweaked his shoulder on Monday and Gaulden was said to have been held out as a precaution due to a bruised thigh. That didn’t stop Cam Newton from poking fun at Gaulden during stretches – “What’s this, a vet day?!”

  • The first one-on-ones between the defensive backs and wide receivers featured back-to-back pass breakups from James Bradberry and Donte Jackson, as the theme of excellent defensive back play would resonate through the entire practice session – Jackson in particular had an excellent day, breaking up multiple passes and staying in the hip pocket of receivers, including Devin Funchess. One guy who was able to get the best of Jackson was fellow rookie DJ Moore, who skyed high for a sideline catch – later, during team drills, Jackson broke up a pass intended for Moore and had some things to say about it. The battle between these two will be fun to watch.
  • The Panthers brought in a team of referees to help ensure they’re adhering to the rules, with the zebras throwing flags throughout the practice, the best instance being on a deep route in which they flagged Captain Munnerlyn, who immediately went over and bearhugged the referee, lifting him up in the air and pretending he was going to body slam him.
  • Daeshon Hall continues to get good reps, especially in one-on-one pass blocking drills, this time blowing by presumed starting right tackle Taylor Moton – Hall said after practice that he hasn’t necessarily put on any weight, but he’s definitely become more toned after his ‘redshirt’ year.
  • After the three-second video of Matt Kalil having a bad rep against Mario Addison went viral Monday, the second round was much better for the younger Kalil, as he was able to corral the speed rush of Addison – speaking of the left side of the line, undrafted free agent Brendan Mahon took snaps at both left tackle and left guard during the pass blocking drills in addition to his normal spot as the second right guard that he’s settled into during the first week of camp. He began camp low on the depth chart, and has been slowly making his way up ever since – it’s certainly something to keep an eye on.
  • Marquis Haynes, the defensive end whom Ron Rivera has said will get some run in the “joker” role – that’s a defensive end that drops into coverage – has looked extremely fast during drills, but does look small when compared to some of the hulking defensive tackles he’s had to face. One drill in particular today caught my eye as he went against Quinterrious Eatmon on the outside; Eatmon is 6’6, 315 pounds – Haynes is 6’2, 235. The difference was palpable – Haynes will have to use his speed and agility when he’s rushing the passer if he doesn’t want to get stonewalled. However, Haynes has looked good in special teams drill – a big man that can run fast will do that.
  • Wouldn’t be a training camp recap without a story about Cam Newton, who called over 25-30 kids who were visiting practice to all stand in a line – all the kids were wearing a jersey with the number 0 on it. Cam lined them all up before running to one side and holding up his own #1 jersey – perhaps trying to make a number bigger than the net worth of his new owner.

  • The weather held up for the most part, staying cloudy with occasional misty rain – it was a much-needed change from the temperatures in the nineties and humidity that usually accompanies training camp in Spartanburg.

Check out previous training camp recaps and photo galleries HERE.

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Josh Klein on Twitter
Josh Klein
Editor-In-Chief at The Riot Report
Josh Klein is Editor-In-Chief of The Riot Report. His favorite Panther of all time is Chad Cota and he once AIM chatted with Kevin Greene. Follow Josh on Twitter @joshkleinrules.