Carolina Panthers
QB: Cam Newton was mediocre in Philadelphia on Thursday night - he threw 8/17 for 112 yards, zero TDs and interceptions. "I thought he did some nice things," Coach Ron Rivera said of Newton after the game. "He got us down there twice in scoring position. We did miss a couple of throws but he was running for his life twice and both times he overthrew the ball. I'm not sure you can put that on the quarterback." During the time the first-string offense was on the field, they converted just two out of seven third-down situations. Newton commented: "We were moving the ball effectively. We can't have self-inflicted penalties. It takes a little more focus. And on my part I feel like I can put the offense in a better situation with a couple of throws I feel got away from me. We moved the ball but we can do better and we will do better as this preseason progresses." Derek Anderson managed 7/11 for 78 yards with zero TDs or interceptions, while Jimmy Clausen eked out 2/4 for 22 yards, zero TDs or interceptions.
RB: DeAngelo Williams got a lot of work at Philadelphia, carrying the football 12 times in the first 27 snaps (he put up 12/39/0 rushing and 1/3/0 receiving during the contest). "(People say) 'a lot of teams aren't showing up in the preseason' and 'certain plays aren't working,'" Williams said Thursday night after the Panthers' second exhibition game. "They really blow preseason games out of proportion when the fact of the matter is, nobody's opening their playbook. The defenses aren't exotic. They're regular run defenses ? stop the run. They're regular pass defenses. Nobody is showing their hand because they know who's watching [the other 31 NFL teams]." Jonathan Stewart (ankle surgery/rehab) and Mike Tolbert (hamstring strain) continue to miss time due to injuries, as did FB Michael Zordich (knee injury) - none of the three played at Philadelphia. Stewart could open the season on the reserve/PUP list according to Rivera. Tauren Poole was second on the team with 5/23/0 rushing, while Kenjon Barner posted 6/5/0 rushing with 1/-1/0 receiving (Barner also fumbled during the game, but Carolina retained possession despite the miscue).
WR: Starters Steve Smith (seven targets for 3/34/0) and Brandon LaFell (three for 1/16/0) turned in lackluster nights at Philadelphia. David Gettis has surged during the 2013 preseason, and heading into the key third preseason game, Gettis is in the mix to claim the #3 wide receiver position. Gettis led the team at Philadelphia, with 5/82/0 on nine targets. "I'm very excited for David. He stepped up and played a very good football game, and I told the players I thought it was a very inspirational effort he gave," Coach Rivera said after the game. "Some guys can learn from guys who are playing hard and doing their best to make this football team." Meanwhile, Armanti Edwards and Domenik Hixon sat out of the second preseason game due to hamstring woes, and Joe Adams missed the game due to an ongoing calf injury complaint. "This is the first time I've had hamstring issues, so I'm trying to figure it out," Hixon said. "Trying to gauge it has probably been the toughest thing for me."
TE: Greg Olsen, Ben Hartsock and Brandon Williams were all flagged for false starts on Thursday - the Panthers' tight ends didn't have a particularly good game; Olsen led the group with one catch for 20 yards on one target. Zach Pianalto joined the Panthers' final training camp practice on Tuesday wearing pads for the first time since signing with the Panthers. Olsen commented about Brandon Williams' progress during training camp: "...he?s really done a remarkable job, considering where he started from and missing all of OTAs with the (knee) injury. He?s been a really nice, pleasant surprise."
Defense: Local reports indicate that the Panthers are still experimenting with the mix of defensive backs. CB Josh Norman didn't get in the action until late in the first half on Thursday, even though he had two interceptions in the preseason opener (Norman added another interception in the game at Philadelphia, by the way). CB Josh Thomas (interception) and LB Thomas Davis (forced fumble) also created turnovers for the Panthers on Thursday. Philadelphia converted all four of its third-down situations against the Panthers? first-team defense during their time on the field. Chase Blackburn was forced out of the game due to a helmet in the back/back spasms, but he should be fine for the third preseason game. DT Star Lotulelei admitted that the Eagles' frenetic attack tired him on Thursday night: "I got tired, but that's all part of the game. Just got to fight through it, get to the next play and keep sound fundamentals. Get off the ball is what we teach in our defensive line room. So that's what I have to do." When training camp wrapped up on Tuesday, Rivera addressed the team saying, "I know this is our move, we'll be back in Charlotte the next time we get together, and we got to be able to stay focused as we get ready to go up to Philadelphia." Norman made a nice interception in the final practice of training camp on Tuesday, continuing his ball-hawking ways - he's been creating a lot of turnovers during the preseason.
Special Teams: Starting kicker Graham Gano has field goals of 50, 47 & 32 yards and an extra point through two games. Camp leg Morgan Lineberry hit a 27-yard field goal and two extra points. Starting holder/punter Brad Nortman continues to share time with rookie Jordan Gay. HC Ron Rivera said of his starters, "They're in pretty good footing but are going to continue to compete. Anytime you feel comfortable, start to feel like you've got it, sometimes you tend to lose it." RB Armond Smith and rookie RB Kenjon Barner each logged a return against the Eagles. WR Ted Ginn again did not.
--footballguys
