Just got back from Charlotte and the 2006 Panthers Fan Fest - a 6 hour drive each way
Anyway... i've seen various "experts" opinions on the team's practices so far, so i thought i'd post mine...
It was hot... i'm talking hotter than satan's chode hot.
I had a chance to talk to Steve Smith for a minute or two - he didn't practice, so he just sort of hung around the sidelines and chatted with the fans. He said he hoped to play in the preseason opener against Buffalo, but didn't think the coaches would let him. Said his hamstring is sore, but if it were the regular season, he'd be out there, no question.
I've been reading since mini-camp that Thomas Davis was playing SLB - Saturday, he was playing WLB. It makes sense, since that's where Witherspoon used to play, and they're similar players.
Whoever plays us this year had better have a good center - our backup, Geoff Hangartner, was dominated by Jenkins and Kemoeatu - every time they snapped the ball, the tackles had to help the interior guys out, which lead to Peppers and Rucker chasing Stefan LeFors around all afternoon.
Speaking of Kemo - the dude is massive, and unblockable - even Mike Wahle couldn't stop him, though he did the best job of trying.
DeAngello Williams only got 4-5 carries, but looks outstanding. He put a juke on Chris Draft that was Barry Sanders-like. Never seen anything like it in person.
Speaking of which, Thomas Davis put a hellacious hit on scrub RB Alex Haynes. He knocked him at least 3 feet off the ground before slamming him back to the field. I saw that and wonder... if he'll do that to his own team-mate in practice, what will he do to Mike Vick when he gets an open shot on opening day?
Keary Colbert looked great - the reports of his return-to-form appear to be true, at least from a practice standpoint.
Keyshawn didn't get many balls thrown his way, but nearly made a big catch in triple coverage, but Chris Weinke overthrew him.
Julius Peppers looks better than i've ever seen him. I've been to two games and last years Fan Fest, and he just seems to have an extra something right now. He played DE, OLB, & MLB Saturday, and was around the ball constantly, if he didn't actually make the tackle. When he didn't, Thomas Davis did.
UDFA corner Jarrett Bush looked impressive. We're deep at corner, so i doubt he makes the team, but he looked very solid.
Mike Minter made a sick interception off a tipped pass.
Michael Gaines worked with the starting offense in Kris Mangum's absence. He looked pretty good while blocking - good news, since he'll likely get the starting job while Mangum's out.
Panthers Fan Fest Practice:
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