Panthers 2021 training camp: Notes from a sloppy Monday morning practice

Several offensive players had to run laps after making mistakes.

The Panthers got yesterday off after a late Saturday practice. This morning they were back on the field at Wofford College, beginning the second week of their training camp schedule.

Here are a few notes from the media at today’s practice.

Matt Rhule’s big pre-practice speech

Coach Matt Rhule wasn’t too pleased with the way his team played on Saturday night, calling out their over-aggressiveness in light of the limited-contact rules at this stage of the offseason. Today, he kicked off practice with a long speech, hoping to get better results.

A brutal day for the quarterbacks

It wasn’t a great day for the Panthers quarterbacks, to say the least. Starter Sam Darnold was intercepted by Jaycee Horn again on a pass that went off tight end Ian Thomas’ hands, then he threw another ball behind Robby Anderson. That led to another talking-to by Rhule.

Later on, Horn also picked off backup QB P.J. Walker.

Darnold also threw another interception to Sean Chandler.

While it’s great Horn is getting his feet wet, you’d prefer to see Darnold cutting down on his picks. He’s thrown 39 in 38 games.

Shaq Thompson back but limited

Linebacker Shaq Thompson left Saturday night’s practice a little early with some tightness in his lower body. He was back out there today, but wearing a green jersey, indicating he was limited.

Denzel Perryman has been taking the reps with Thompson out.

A.J. Bouye’s injury

We may have our first real injury of training camp. Veteran cornerback A.J. Bouye went down with a left leg issue and was examined by trainers. He went to the medical tent and did not return to practice.

Bouye is slated to start at the nickel corner spot in Carolina once his two-game suspension has been served.

 Omar Bayless flashes again

The biggest star of last year’s training camp is back at it. After spending the entire 2020 season on injured reserve, wide receiver Omar Bayless has been impressing at camp. Today, he flashed again with a one-handed catch in one-on-one drills.

Sloppiness abounds

The quarterbacks weren’t the only ones struggling. Several offensive players had to run laps after making mistakes.

Tomorrow things will get a little more real when he team holds its first padded practice of the year.

[lawrence-related id=638670]

[vertical-gallery id=638605]