Panther Paw Prints: 2010 Training Camp Closes Edition

The Panthers 2010 Training Camp at Wofford College concluded today after the 25th practice. We had three media members that attended the entire program and provided us timely tweets and daily wraps. I'm sure I speak for most CSR members that we appreciate their hard work and diligence in covering what I think was an exciting camp.

So let's start with two of their final posts. First from Darin Gantt from the Charlotte Observer:

Inside the Panthers: And that's a wrap
This camp, whether it was all the new faces or not, had a different energy than past years. With so much competition for jobs, practices were edgier, though there were only about two real fights.

I hope they continue to camp under the current format. I do think there is some value in the brotherly bonding that comes from living together for 3 weeks.I would also agree the tough environment does pay dividends during the season....

Training camp 'a necessary evil' - Charleston SC - The Post and Courier - postandcourier.com
"It's not like guys when we're done with practice and meetings and guys get in their cars and go home. Guys are in here, guys are in the dorms and everybody is together," Moore said. "Whether you're Steve Smith, Jordan Gross or a free-agent rookie, we're all hanging out. You need those things to be a successful football team."

Now we have Steve Reed from Carolina Growl with his version of a CSR Stock Report:

ANALYSIS: Who helped (and hurt) themselves at training camp this summer?
4. DT Derek Landri. A late-season pickup in 2009 from Jacksonville, Landri has been in the regular mix of four guys splitting time with the starters on the interior defensive line. A try-hard sort of player, Landri has a decent chance to make the roster depending on what the team does with last year’s third-round draft pick Corvey Irvin. You figure they’ll keep at least four tackles, maybe five, and Louis Leonard, Tank Tyler and Ed Johnson are probably here to stay.

...more after the jump...

I really love Jon Gruden's commentary during football games, but I couldn't help but flinch when I heard him say this last Thursday night about LB Jon Beason.

The Associated Press: Panthers gambling with position switch for Beason
He said he felt OK playing there in last week's exhibition opener at Baltimore, taking issue with ESPN analyst Jon Gruden, who criticized him when he appeared to be out of position. "I didn't have any mentals as far as my responsibility," Beason said. "It was a little slippery out there. I slipped on one play where Gruden referred to me as a fish out of water. I appreciate it. It's just a little added motivation, more fuel to the fire. When I see coach Gruden I'll let him know how I feel about it."

Please let there be video of this meeting! I bet it's a hoot....

Now hears Gantt's latest on who's stock is up and who's is down. I chose his comments on a guy we haven't talked about much but who could be that 3rd down weapon we so need:

Inside the Panthers: Panthers who have helped, hurt status so far
Tight end Jeff King: They keep trying to replace him and it keeps not working. King has evolved into the wise man of the locker room, but also into a trustworthy target in the passing game. He’s in better shape than ever, and since he’s still the best blocker of the three they’ll keep, he figures to retain most of the snaps.

One great thing about training camp is the close interaction fans get with players. In that way Jake Delhomme's legacy remains. QB Matt Moore has made himself available to fans throughout camp, something Jake was always willing to do:

Low key QB Matt Moore winning hearts and minds in Carolina - USATODAY.com
I remember my dad always telling me if I ever got the opportunity to be in the situation I'm in, people appreciate you signing," Moore says. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the fans. It's a very easy way to give back."

You did know Moore always referred to Jake as 'Daddy' right?

Here's a couple links from my Daddy:

Which NFC South rookies will start? - NFC South Blog - ESPN
Carolina: Even though they are having a youth movement, there’s a chance the Panthers could open the season without a rookie in the starting lineup. Receiver Brandon LaFell is probably the best bet, even though the Panthers have been singing the praises of Dwayne Jarrett lately. Second-round pick Jimmy Clausen has been good in camp and was very good in the first preseason game, but the starting quarterback job still belongs to Matt Moore. Greg Hardy and Eric Norwood have had great camps, but probably will open the season as situational pass rushers.

Daddy knows best, give the NFC South its due:

The strength of the NFC South - NFC South Blog - ESPN
One other note on the NFC South: It is one of only two divisions in the NFC and one of only three in the entire NFL to have every team win the division at least once (since division realignment in 2002). Tampa Bay’s won the division three times. Carolina and New Orleans each have won it twice. Atlanta’s won the division once.

NFL Links

Okay fine, so Favre wants to play yet another last season. But to make the decision on Aug 18th? WTF is that?

Brad Childress: Vikings felt teammates could convince Brett Favre to return in person - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com
"We wanted him back," Childress said. "It wasn't me wanting him back. It was WE wanting him back."

I've never thought of Favre as a prima dona but he sure gives the impression by keeping his team, a city and many other people across this country hanging on his decision. And if his team mates weren't so warm and beckoning hwne he showed up? Would he has retired?

I have to admit, I agree with Delhomme about his ability to put his past mistakes behind him. I think that is why Fox hung with him so long.

Ohio.com - Browns QB Jake Delhomme knows path to popularity littered with wins

''I saw a guy who was unfazed by his last throw, be it touchdown or be it interception,'' Delhomme said. ''It was always 'On to the next throw' and total focus. That's something I always tried to learn from him and last season I regressed. I tried not to make a mistake last year. I think there were a lot of other factors, but I think you get to sit back and learn from it. You've just got to go out and play. See it, throw it, play it and go from there, hope you make the right decision.''

The problem was he stopped learning from his mistakes and simply repeated them. I think when the Browns game rolls around we are going to be very interested to see how 'Ol Jake is doing.