EllisEye

John's view on Panthers Camp: 8-2-11

John Ellis

the212

Media-geek observations of the day:

• My first meeting with Team President Danny Morrison. He approached me, shook my hand, and asked me if there was anything he could do for me. Definitely a crowd-pleaser.
• It was hot, in case you missed the memo. However, media personnel were permitted to congregate on the far sideline of the practice area--in other words, where the shade is. Much cooler.
• Mick Mixon, current Panthers PBP announcer, spent a few minutes chatting with Bill Rosinski, the former Panthers PBP announcer. Seemed like a pleasant chat.
• Tom Sorensen from The Charlotte Observer became the first reporter in NFL history to don blue jeans on August 2 in Spartanburg. Nice guy, and deserves an award for that alone.
• Charlie Dayton, who is the media chief for the team, is about the nicest dude around, but boy, that head's always on a swivel. High energy.
• Cool media folk I have met thus far: Jarrett Bell (USA Today), Peter King (SI, NBC Sports), Scott Fowler, Tom Sorensen, Ron Green and Joe Person (all from The Charlotte Observer), Steve Reed (Gaston Gazette), Jim Szoke and Mick Mixon (Panthers Radio Network), Dick Cox (Cox Sports Broadcasting). Not one of them was an ass, which rocks.
• Feel like the rookie at camp here. Waiting for the aforementioned veterans to haze me: "Ellis....carry these steno pads, pens, mp3 recorders....meet u in the press box".
• Spent 10 minutes 1v1 with Ron Rivera. Not a bull-shitter, but not a ball-buster. Very direct, but very generous with his time. Will be a good "media coach" in terms of audio and access. Was a pleasure.

X's and O's du jour:

• Seems like every reporter has a different opinion on Jimmy Clausen. I'm seeing a much more confident player
• Clausen: Much more fluid on delivery.
• More accurate than I ever saw Delhomme at camp, for what that's worth.
• Looked like Romo/Brady in pocket when under duress.
• Nice job of sliding his feet and keeping eyes down field.
• Somewhat more vocal--can sense he's "trying" be "that guy".  
• Cam Newton: did not see one passing play run from under center by #1.
• Most passing plays were in the gun, 11 personnel.
• Much more velocity on throws than Clausen
• A tad less accurate than Clausen on short/intermediate routes
• More explosive and accurate on 7 and 9 routes (post-corner, streak)
• Still some gadgets in Chud's bag:
• Again, saw Gettis (12) and Smith (89) in the backfield. Read option, completion to Shockey down the seam. Interesting call.

• Offensive Notes:
• Running game was stagnant early on--Rivera confirmed as much
• Sutton (22) ran stronger as the day progressed, and got a good many touches.
• Jonathan Stewart continues to practice, says he feels great.
• Otah and "in-and-out", but looked strong when in.
• Garry Williams was Otah's sub.
• New assistant OL coach Ray Brown, a former NFL lineman, was constantly praising Wharton (70) for his technique.
• Brown asked the rest of the group to "Light a match under their asses". It's August, indeed.
• Couple of P/A rollouts by Newton, with Shockey (80) running the shallow cross to the roll side. Efficient play
• Saw this done quite a bit with Lafell (11) too.
• Clausen rarely rolled out, and if he did, it wasn't by design.
• Last 5-7 plays of the 7on7 were simple QB options with Newton, all of which he kept.
• Not to overstate things, but his speed is considerable. Has tremendous burst--was running past and juking DB's with relative ease.
• Steve Smith was one of several players who broke up the minor scuffle today. A pleasant sight for all parties involved.

• Defensive Notes:
• Terell McClain, who reported to camp today after his mini-holdout, has mastered the art of the "JJ", or the "Jenkins Jump". Two offsides penalties in less than 10 minutes.
• Eric Norwood playing exclusively with his hand in the dirt at DE.
• Lot of Dan Connor, with some solid hits.
• Corner is an issue, make no mistake. With the illness to Gamble, the weakness was further exposed.
• Media buzz still has Hurney making a move for a CB before opening day. Will be more cuts from other teams, and still a few expendables out there for trade.
• Martin/Godfrey continue to share duties at safety
• First team DL for much of the day:
• RDE: Norwood
• RDT: Neblett
• LDT: Irvin
• LDE: E.Brown
• McDermott and Meeks work well together, and worked together a good bit during 7on7's Both have a similar approach--cerebral, organized and relatively quiet. Good teachers 1v1.

We'll have more for you tomorrow following practice, where NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to make a visit. Not a lot of media access granted for interviews today, due to a tweak in the schedule. More audio and video to come tomorrow.