CHARLOTTE, NC (WCCB Charlotte) — The Panthers have hit the summer pause button with positive vibes.
Carolina wrapped up its final day of the three-day mandatory mini-camp Thursday at the team’s practice facility. Head coach Ron Rivera’s final message to the team is to rest-up but be ready to roll when training opens at the end of July.
“The season is right around the corner, everything you do from here on out is about preparation and preparing for that game that’s coming up in about 84 days,” Rivera said.
There’s no qualms from the coach about his quarterback. Rivera, who in OTAs (organized-team-activities) said that Cam Newton had a little bit of ‘rust’, was happy with his growth as a player–especially the mental side of the game.
“I think that’s one of the more important things right now. I still believe he has room to grow,” Rivera said. “It’s not about his base fundamentals as an athlete but his base-fundamentals as a mental-athlete.”
“It’s good to watch him make checks, good to watch him make decisions and good to watch him discuss that openly with his coaches on the field,” Rivera said.
Newton spoke after practice on Thursday and the reigning league MVP was happy overall with the offense heading into the summer hiatus.
“We were very well offensively,” Newton said. “We were doing some things that we were in mid-season form some days. We just have to stay consistent. Everyone has to know at all times what to do. Not just the quarterback, the offensive line or the receivers, everybody has to be on the same page. When we are doing that, it’s fun to watch.”
The Panthers have had players participate in a limited role this summer as they heal from various injuries. Linebacker Luke Kuechly is recovering from shoulder surgery, defensive back Bene Benwikere and wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin were not a full-go as they recover from leg injuries. However, Ron Rivera expects everyone to be able to participate at training camp but the degree of easing the players into full-time workout will vary.
“Each one of those guys will have a plan (but) be involved from the beginning,” Rivera said.
A contract extension for defensive tackle Kawann Short has still not been reached. While Short was present all three days at the mandatory camp, it is unclear if he will be present at the start of camp if a deal is not reached. Short, who set a franchise record for defensive tackles with 11.0 sacks last year, is currently on the final year of his rookie contract which would pay him $1.036 million.
