A few first-day Panther practice notes from my observations at Wofford:
-- Watch new Panther tight end Greg Olsen face a football passing machine for five minutes and you realize it's a mismatch. I've seen numerous receivers work with the machines, which fire footballs at you from a distance of 7-10 yards. I've never seen a tight end catch the ball any better than Olsen -- nonchalantly and one-handed with either hand. Talk about a nice safety valve for Jimmy Clausen and Cam Newton -- Olsen is going to make a big impact.
-- Fans at Wofford for the Panthers' first official practice made no secret as to some of their favorites. They cheered lustily every time Newton threw a ball that was completed and every time Armanti Edwards caught a punt and jogged back with it. DeAngelo Williams got a big cheer when he ran onto the field, which he acknowledged with a wave.
-- I saw my first Newton No.1 jersey on my first kid Saturday night at practice. Somehow I doubt it will be the last.
-- Clausen took the snaps with the first offensive unit during the first drill, just like it should be. Whether he's doing that a month from now remains to be seen.
-- Steve Smith dressed like he was ready for 30-degree weather, with a long-sleeve undershirt under his jersey and long tights under his shorts. Seriously? Smith looked quick nevertheless.
-- The most legible of the many autographs given out last night was signed by Sir Purr, who somehow can make a work of art with a Sharpie while signing inside a mascot costume.
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9 years ago
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18 comments:
"I've never seen a tight end catch the ball any better than Olsen..."
If he's as good as Wesley Walls with the jugs machine, we're going to have some hope this year.
Gotta have someone who can throw it first.
We're getting the 7th Floor Crew back together. Greg and Beason should lay another track.
He usually looked pretty awesome in training camp for the Bears too, and had a rapport with the QBs. But he can't get off the line if there is contact, can't break tackles, and doesn't secure the ball (on potential catches or after the catch), leading to more drops and fumbles than any "elite" tight end should encounter.
He's worth a 3rd round draft pick ... but not much more.
I can't believe it. We're actually going to use our TE's as a part of the offense. Fans, welcome to the 21st Century, only 11 years too late.
I agree SCOTT ...watch out Panther fans....we got a true gem in OLSEN ....an impact player who can change the game and with a coaching staff that knows how to use him!!!
10:18 Anon,
Greg Olsen has a total of 7 drops out of 167 catchable passes thrown his way in the last three years. That's 2nd BEST in the NFL for tight ends during that time. It is an indisputable FACT he's got elite level hands.
I can tell you're a disgruntled Bears fan trying to rationalize getting robbed of a player with that kind of talent, but please, do some research before you spout your ignorance.
http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/05/25/drop-percentage-tight-ends/
Oh, and fumbles? He's got a WHOPPING 4 total in 62 career games played. What a butterfingers, right? Haha...
Bring back Darin Gantt!!
I was at the camp today and Cam looked really good he has a rocket for an arm and he made most of his throws right on point. By the end of camp this guy will be ready. Jimmy still looked like crap throwing short or overthrowing we still need a vet to help out our QB's. Olsen looked good quick for a big guy Shockey looked a little slow but was catching everything. Steve Smith looked like the man because he is. Otah was there and looked to be fine D-Will looked great had all his speed and cut moves. Not a bad first camp I would say from a fans point of view.
I thought Deangelo couldn't practice untill the 4th... who were you watching?
Scam does not have a rocket arm. Not even close. Cut the lies. He has an extremely weak inaccurate arm and couldnt hit the broad side of a barn.
"...extremely weak inaccurate arm and couldnt hit the broad side of a barn."
-description of the 2011 Heisman Trophy winning/National Championship Quarterback
...i guess you're right, because Auburn had so many other playmakers to get drafted in the first round...smh, gimmie a break
You mean Sir Purr is not real...now you ruined it for me!
The Heisman is coming back with the NCAA title.
All a FLUKE just like Newton the biggest one.
As a Bears fan I am sad to see Olsen go. He was a great, reliable player that QBs knew they could go to in a pinch. He was clutch in the red zone too. Not the best blocker, I agree, but that's not what he is branded for.
Did some of you lose money gambling on the draft? Bama fans? What's your deal? Why would you hate on Cam so bad?
There wasn't a single analyst involved in the draft process who didn't say Cam had a great arm. He also had the best completion % of the 201 QB draft class. Put aside the National Championship he dominated and the Heisman cause those don't mean anything at all. This Panther team is going .500 this year or better and this kid is gonna be something special. You'll be singing a different tune come mid season.
As a life long Bears fan,I was sorry to see Olsen go, but Martz never intended for him to be anything other than a blocker. Panthers fans, you've picked up a solid TE...with speed.
Steve Smith and Wesley Walls are the best receivers we have ever had because they catch the ball when they are covered and when the pass is not perfect.
Then, the QB gets more confidence, and it becomes a symbiotic upward spiral.
If Superman is back, and Olsen plays like the Pro Bowler a first round tight end should be, then both Cam and Jimmy will look great.
You folks that think last year can be summed up to one problem or one player are not very football smart.
Go Panther!
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