Panthers coach Matt Rhule held another virtual press conference with the media on Thursday. Rhule projected confidence about his team, despite the extraoardinary set of circumstances that have brought a young and inexperienced group of players into what was always going to be a challenging 2020 training camp.
Rhule likes what he has, though. Here are a few players he singled out for praise during his Zoom call.
DE Efe Obada
The roster Rhule has inherited is missing a lot of pieces. At the edge, he’s down Mario Addison, Bruce Irvin and Christian Miller. Even still, this team has a lot of depth at this spot.
Rhule raved about Obada, who has apparently gained 10 pounds this offseason.
On Zoom press conference, Matt Rhule again raves about Efe Obada. Says he had a “tremendous offseason” and is up to 275 pounds. Obada has been listed at 265.
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) August 7, 2020
This appears to be a trend with Panthers defensive ends. Brian Burns told reporters earlier this week he’s gained 15 pounds since last season.
CB Donte Jackson
Rhule also singled out another imporant young defender: third-year cornerback Donte Jackson.
The Panthers are rolling into the 2020 season with the youngest defense in the NFL over the last 10 years, according to ESPN. That means players like Jackson will be thrust into a leadership role. Rhule likes Jackson’s competitiveness and expects consistency.
Rhule on CB Donte Jackson: “I see a competitive, talented, tough, grown man that’s really ready to go be a play in, play out, day in, day out corner.” #Panthers
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) August 7, 2020
Jackson knows he has work to do on his own game, though. He says he put in work with Ryan Clark this offseason to improve his technique and coverage.
TE Chris Manhertz
The Panthers took a big hit at tight end by losing Greg Olsen. They do have one of the game’s best blockers at the position, though. Rhule singled out Manhertz for that talent.
Matt Rhule: "I think Chris Manhertz has a chance to be one of the best blocking tight ends in the National Football League, if not the best."
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) August 7, 2020
Manhertz projects as the No. 2 tight end on the roster behind Ian Thomas.
QB Teddy Bridgewater
Finally, Rhule praised his starting quarterback, who is by all accounts fun to be around. He sees Bridgewater as a pure football guy.
Matt Rhule on Teddy Bridgewater: “Just a lot of fun to be around. He’s all ball. If meetings go to 8, you can bet he’ll be there at 8:30, 9 at night.” pic.twitter.com/bUlNSwVuDP
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 7, 2020
Bridgewater’s personality has clearly won over his teammates and his head coach. He still will have to prove himself on the field to seal the deal, though.
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