Rivera on Newton: "Wow"

Temps rise, tempers flare as an anxious staff knocks off the rust

John Ellis

the212

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- So long as you put faith in your local meteorologist, the thermometer at Wofford College will be rattling tomorrow as the needle crosses the 100 degree mark.

Tuesday was no late-October visit to the apple farm.

With soaring temperatures, tempers accompanied, as fans and media alike were treated to the first obligatory intrasquad brawl of the 2011 camp season.

“Well, I’m a defensive coach, so I would call it a draw,” said Panthers head coach Ron Rivera.

Reserve tailback Mike Goodson got into it with 2nd year safety Michael Greco after a loose ball scramble, leading to a brief, but heated wrestling match.

“We had a little bit of a tussle, and it was nice to see two guys competing,” said Rivera. “The nice thing about the tussle is it wasn’t a personal thing. It was about establishing who they are.”

To say that all eyes were fixed on Goodson and Greco for more than 20 seconds would be a lie.

This week has been the staff's first look at a revamped offensive unit—central to that focus—the developing quarterback battle between 2nd year slinger Jimmy Clausen, and the heralded rookie from Auburn, Cam Newton.

When asked about his first impressions of Newton this week, Rivera didn’t mince words.

“Wow,” said the first-year head coach. “He does some things that really light you up and get you excited.”

“Jimmy made some good throws and good decisions,” said Rivera. "But when you look at what Cam does, his running ability is special. That’s what he brings to the table”

Not exactly a ringing endorsement for Clausen, who struggled with accuracy and continuity in through a 2-14 rookie campaign in 2010.

There is little doubt in my mind, without getting caught up with all the media opinions on the field, that Cam Newton will start on opening day at Arizona. I also believe that, of all their options, Carolina has the best opportunity to win with Newton in the lineup.

The aforementioned comments by the new coach seem to slant that direction. Rivera has proven to be a straight-shooter to both his players and the media. When introduced as the new head coach in Carolina back in February, Rivera made his philosophy clear.

“We want to have an attacking style.”

I met with Rivera briefly today. He is an imposing figure, much like many of the players he teaches—and he emphasizes the word “teach“ in this process.

“As a coach, you have to be willing to take the time", said Rivera. “Every time you have an opportunity to teach, you need to teach.”

Physicality and aggression are two cornerstones of Rivera’s approach, shaped heavily by his time working under the late Jim Johnson, who coordinated Philadelphia’s top-tier defense from 1999-2008. Johnson passed away just before training camp opened in 2009 after a battle with melanoma.

Johnson's successor, Sean McDermott, was dismissed from the Eagles at the end of the 2010 season. Eagles coach Andy Reid hinted that McDermott might have been too much under the shadow of the late Johnson, and the two sides parted ways.

When offered, McDermott jumped at the chance to follow Rivera to Carolina, as both men share the same concepts and philosophies defensively.

“One of the things we try to do is ‘strip and rip’ here,” Rivera said of a technique taught to his defenders in an effort to generate more fumbles. “Sean and I started that when we were in Philadelphia with Jim Johnson. We will preach takeaways, and we will insist it.”

“The first practice we had, nobody was going for the ball. Sean and I talked about it, and have been preaching it. When the ball hits the ground, we want to scoop it and score.”

As for the return of Jon Beason to the Mike-Linebacker spot, Rivera is pleased to see things taking shape as planned.

“Jon and I talked about what he wanted to do and how he wanted to do it for us,” said Rivera. “It’s part of the reason we made the move for (NT) Ron Edwards. We wanted a big body in front of our linebackers to run and get a chance to make plays downhill.”

Beason may have to wait a few days get back into the groove, as he was placed on the non-football injury list, recovering from an Achilles issue. Neither Beason, nor team officials, appear to see his absence stretching past a week or so. 

Another long-range problem for the defense would be the lack of depth at cornerback. The void of two, even three aggressive, capable press corners may affect McDermott’s desire to run the blitz packages he did with the Eagles.

Chris Gamble returns for his 8th season, but has missed practice for a second straight day with an illness.

Other viable contenders to start opposite Gamble include: Captain Munnerlyn, Robert McClain, CJ Wilson and Brandon Hogan, a rookie from West Virginia who is missing valuable time recovering from a knee injury.

Various reports contend that the Panthers may have interest in trading with the Eagles for CB Asante Samuel, who enjoyed two all-pro seasons under McDermott from 2008-2009. However, officials from both teams have denied the report.