EllisEye

Media-geek observations of the day:

• When I hopped into my Infiniti G35 at 4pm to make the trek up I-85 from Greenville, my car’s thermometer read 101 degrees. It felt like a bargain. A cool shower and clouds prevailed around 7pm, offering a pleasant evening to fans and players.
• For the second consecutive day, Charlotte Observer columnist Tom Sorensen goes with the blue jeans. No offense, but “ain’t you warm”, Tommy?
• Meeting Roger Goodell was a memorable experience. Pleasant, but short on time, he walked away saying “thank you, John”. Remembering names is big in my book.
• Odd: ran into pollster and political analyst Frank Luntz. Introduced myself, and then, it got awkward. Then, he quietly walked away, understanding the nobody he was dealing with.
• Scott Hanson from the NFL Network was super cool.
• Brett Jensen, talk-show host for WFNZ in Charlotte, walked and talked with me about radio, sports and most anything. Great dude.
• Spent most of the evening with the usual crew—Joe Person, Ron Green, Steve Reed, Pete Iacobelli—all very nice, seasoned journalists who have been very fair with their time and insights.
• Mick Mixon, once again, is all class. Was on his phone as I entered the field, and actually approached me, said hello, and asked to catch-up later. We did, and he’s a complete pro.
• Last, and not least: A new friend named Bill Voth did me a huge favor today. Voth is the Sports Director at WSOC-TV in Charlotte. Apparently, he checked out the blog, didn't think it completely sucked, and gave me a mention on his Twitter account (@billvoth). In two hours, I gained over 150 new followers. Bill....thanks. I owe you a hamburger, or something.

X's and O's du jour:

• After a pair of reporters and I noticed Clausen taking on a more confident role in Tuesday’s practice, the bandwagon is starting to overflow given the disparity in his performance on Wednesday vs. that of Cam Newton.
• Clausen: Solid footwork, quicker release than last year.
• Hit his first four passes in 7 on 7’s, all of which were 5-15 yard routes.
• Finally unleashed a deep ball—rare for Clausen—hitting Wallace Wright on a go route for a touchdown.
• Selling the play-fake better than Delhomme ever did. Has worked on this all offseason.
• Continues to command respect. It’s a different Clausen than 2010, and I attribute that to this new staff.
• Cam Newton: still having issues from under center.
• Like the day prior, majority of plays run in 11 personnel, from shotgun.  
• Pressed hard today. Overthrows on several plays, needlessly, by throwing simple routes with too much wasted velocity.
• Positives:
• First two throws of the day were beauties (Streak route to Smith down the near sideline for a touchdown, torching McClain. Then, a beautiful post-corner to the sideline into the arms of emerging threat Armanti Edwards).
• Less “read-option” plays called today.

• Offensive Notes:
• Much better start to the day with the running game
• Deangelo Williams did not practice, but Jonathan Stewart did. On one of his many powerful runs Wednesday, Stewart carried two defensive backs an extra 5 yards on his back.
• Goodson is a one-cut, hit the hole back. Showed why he was at one time a Heisman contender at Texas A&M.
• Offensive line looked stronger, faster. Kalil and Otah sat some time out.
• Armanti Edwards is beginning to make nice plays in the passing game. Very effective on the slants.
• Steve Smith donned the black visor tonight. Mystique.
• TE’s Shockey and Barnidge continue to impress. Greg Olsen will begin practice tomorrow, per the new CBA rules.

• Defensive Notes:
• Terell McClain is slowly emerging. More disciplined. Great first step. Powerful hands.
• Dan Connor, in for injured Jon Beason, made several loud hits and solid tackles.
• Corner, a day later, is still a problem.
• As reported here Tuesday, 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. Lito Sheppard is one name that could emerge. The former Eagles CB has experience in this system.
• DL Coach Eric Washington is intense. Very intense. Was all over McClain early on. It helped. Praised Everette Brown in drills for having a high motor.

More reports from the212daily on Thursday, as the team will practice again at 6pm at Wofford College. Admission is free for kids and adults. Come about 30 minutes early for the best seats.