Panthers Complete OTA’s; Let the Teeth Gnashing Begin

Charlotte.com summarizes the lessons learned from OTA’s but doesn’t really break any new ground. Before I recap that piece of rice cake I have to mention I’m more focused on signing our rookies now. Given the way the Panthers have negotiated rookie contracts in the past they will probably start with the late round guys and work their way up. If history give us any lesson it’s that we can expect Jonathan Stewart, Jeff Otah or both (please no) to at least miss the start of training camp trying to work out a contract.

 All I want for Christmas is a rookie salary scale!

 How many days of camp did Jon Beason miss last year? Seems like 8 to10 or so off the top of my head. The last thing we need is for either of them to endure a lengthy contract dispute. Much of it depends on the agent of course.

 Here’s the ‘reality’ section from each key lesson learned:

1. Jake Delhomme’s elbow will be on a pitch count come training camp.

 Reality: It likely won't be until Delhomme plays in an actual game – with defenders slapping and tugging at his arm – that he knows how sound it actually is.

 Ok, that makes sense as it’s like most other injuries. We’ve talked about that a good bit.

2. The Offensive line needs to come together

 Reality: Otah seems to already have been installed as the starter at right tackle and free-agent pickup Toniu Fonoti (a former Pro Bowler) looked impressive at right guard during OTAs.

 I like the sound of Fanoti winning the RG competition. We’re talking close to 700 lbs on the right side of the line. There’s no doubt where the Panthers will be going on those key 3^rd and 1’s.

3. Focus on the running game

 Reality: Stewart is recovering from a toe injury and hasn't practiced. But he's out of a protective boot and Fox said he expects him to be ready for training camp.

 Now that he’s out of the protective boot he needs to go get some real boots and jog on the beach like Sweetness used to do, so the legend goes. Better yet, he can come down to my house and run through the pluff mud in the marsh. That will build up those thighs even more.

4. Finding a true #2 Receiver

 Reality: Musin Muhammad and Hackett both had strong OTAs and Dwayne Jarrett (a disappointment as a rookie) showed improvement.

 We know Jarrett’s issue was mostly mental so maybe his second round of OTA’s will do the trick. Between Moose, DJ Hackett and Jarrett we should be able to sustain a threat across from Smitty.

5. Get Julius Peppers Re-energized

 Reality: Although Peppers might be more comfortable on the right side, that means he'll often face an opponent's left tackle – usually a team's best offensive lineman.

 The positive though is that they will not be used to facing him. It probably be most effective to move him around if he can handle it mentally. I think Pep is going to be alright. I expect him to reach double figures again this season and I won’t be happy with less given how much he’s probably going to cost us to resign him.

 The real lesson here is will there be anyone else to compliment Pep? How about more ‘Mike’ LB blitzes for Beason? Will either Charles Johnson or Stanley McClover emerge? I was really high on McClover after TC last season but he never put it together playing the right side. He’ll be behind Pep now more than likely and it will be Johnson and Brayton rotating on the other side.

One lesson that I never heard discussed was whether we learned to block on kick returns. Special teams was a huge weakness the past two season and OTA’s seems like a good time to work on that stuff.

 Anyone else have any lessons they hope the Panthers learned during OTA’s.