...but still thinking about you fine folks that read my little corner of the internet.
Steve Smith and Ken Lucas got into a scrap during Friday morning's workout at training camp. A scrap severe enough that Lucas was carted off the field holding an ice pack to his face (this from various reports). I did not see any of this--I was not there. Therefore, I will refrain from pointing fingers as to who started what.
I will say that things like this have no place in football. yes, football is an emotional game, it's a physical game, but to borrow a phrase from Allen Iverson, "we're talking about practice, man. Practice. Not a game, not a game, not a game...practice."
Smith and Lucas are fierce competitors, so the likelihood that something happened on the field and spilled over to the sidelines (where the scrap took place) is very likely. Things happen on the field, and these guys are professionals enough that it should stay there. Oh, and let's not overlook the fact THAT THEY ARE TEAMMATES!
The chatter coming from Spartanburg is that Smith would be the one serving a suspension from the team. The Panthers publicly say the matter will be handled internally. Just when you thought it was going to be a routine first week of training camp, the Panthers have had to break up a pair of fights, and one linebacker was scolded for being too aggressive in a drill.
7-9 may still be in this team's head, which is a good thing if they are motivated enough to change that record and become a better team, but for Pete's sake, stop fighting with your teammates. Indianapolis comes to town on August 9th to open the pre-season. Beat them up.
Tim Baier is in the chair tonight, alongside Ryan Welch--the Dynamic Duo will lead you through the weekend on Sports Night, and for those heading to Fan Fest, I'll see you there on Saturday!
Mike Solarte
Friday, August 1, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Make it stop!!!! Please!!!
It's the middle of the week, and it's about the time I start getting itchy for the weekend, which in turn means, I'm getting the "short fuse" for things that bother me.
Exhibit A. Brett Favre.
Brett, you signed your reinstatement letter, the Commish will likely allow you to return, so go, play football, and enjoy yourself. I don't care if you play for the Green Bay Packers or the Hamilton Rough Riders of the CFL, just go play, and go away.
The whole saga has been an embarrassment for the NFL. Favre is arguably one of the biggest names (and obviously players), the game has ever seen. His yo-yo approach with the Packers over the past few years has been irritating (putting it mildly), and then, after he retires, he thinks about it, and decides he wants to return.
Fine. Come out and say it, then. Don't have the story leak out, be the guy to call a press conference and say, "I want to play for Green Bay again, if they will have me." Just like yesterday's post--straight talk earns points.
The Packers don't want him, but they don't want anyone in their division to have him either, and the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions all could use a decent QB. The Packers want it both ways, and of course, they can't have it both ways. Green Bay would do well to trade Favre out of the conference, but who is to say that another team, say the Patriots (for this discussion only--they don't need Favre) make the swap with Green Bay. Say Favre to the Pats for a 2nd round and 4th round pick. What is to stop the Patriots from then offering Favre to Minnesota, Chicago or Detroit for a 1st round pick? Granted, I don't know ALL of the NFL trade rules and regulations, but it seems to me the Pats (or any other team for that matter) could do this deal, and be alright when the dust settles.
In any event, just make the Brett Favre situation stop. I liked him so much more when he was Brett Favre, the actor in "Something About Mary."
Michelle Wie. It's been a while since her nails dragged down my blackboard, but the screeching sound is back.
Stop playing on the PGA Tour. Please. You aren't making cuts, you are taking a spot away from another pro that is trying to make a check (some guys don't have endorsement contracts like you do), and you are skipping a major on the LPGA schedule. Yes, I know she is playing on a sponsor's exemption. Translation: Wie is a sideshow, and organizers hope she will attract people to watch her play. Ticket buying people, that is.
Last I looked, Michelle Wie hasn't won anything on the LPGA tour, although she has come close, with some 2nd place finishes a few years ago. Why is she bothering to try and compete against PGA Tour players when she hasn't bested a field on her own tour (of which she is not a full card carrying member anyway)? I don't get it. It's not a high profile thing to be a part of a PGA Tour event as a female, and get dusted by the guys. It doesn't enhance the legacy that is Michelle Wie, amateur golfer ate Stanford. It enhances the image of Michelle Wie, great player getting horrid advice by the people closest to her.
Before you click the comment box, and start proclaiming me a Wie-hater, or a chauvinist pig, let me point out that Annika Sorenstam, Paula Creamer and Helen Alfredsson, all accomplished players on the LPGA Tour are saying EXACTLY the same thing. When Sorenstam played on the PGA Tour (at Colonial I think), she had already won a basketful of LPGA major titles, and regular events. She was the world's top ranked female golfer. She EARNED the right to take her shots against the guys. She had proven herself, and I for one liked watching her take her shots. Wie hasn't earned anything yet, except making the cut against the men in Asia. Once.
I am all about the good story, and people chasing their dreams. Michelle Wie's dreams should lie on the LPGA Tour. Not because she is a female, but because her talents don't translate to playing against the men on the PGA Tour. This is her 8th attempt against the men. Almost as many absences as Ferris Bueller had, before he changed them.
Make it stop. Please. Next thing you know, Chicago Cubs fans will blame losing out on a World Series title on a fan reaching for a foul ball, or some billy goat curse.
Wait a minute....
Exhibit A. Brett Favre.
Brett, you signed your reinstatement letter, the Commish will likely allow you to return, so go, play football, and enjoy yourself. I don't care if you play for the Green Bay Packers or the Hamilton Rough Riders of the CFL, just go play, and go away.
The whole saga has been an embarrassment for the NFL. Favre is arguably one of the biggest names (and obviously players), the game has ever seen. His yo-yo approach with the Packers over the past few years has been irritating (putting it mildly), and then, after he retires, he thinks about it, and decides he wants to return.
Fine. Come out and say it, then. Don't have the story leak out, be the guy to call a press conference and say, "I want to play for Green Bay again, if they will have me." Just like yesterday's post--straight talk earns points.
The Packers don't want him, but they don't want anyone in their division to have him either, and the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions all could use a decent QB. The Packers want it both ways, and of course, they can't have it both ways. Green Bay would do well to trade Favre out of the conference, but who is to say that another team, say the Patriots (for this discussion only--they don't need Favre) make the swap with Green Bay. Say Favre to the Pats for a 2nd round and 4th round pick. What is to stop the Patriots from then offering Favre to Minnesota, Chicago or Detroit for a 1st round pick? Granted, I don't know ALL of the NFL trade rules and regulations, but it seems to me the Pats (or any other team for that matter) could do this deal, and be alright when the dust settles.
In any event, just make the Brett Favre situation stop. I liked him so much more when he was Brett Favre, the actor in "Something About Mary."
Michelle Wie. It's been a while since her nails dragged down my blackboard, but the screeching sound is back.
Stop playing on the PGA Tour. Please. You aren't making cuts, you are taking a spot away from another pro that is trying to make a check (some guys don't have endorsement contracts like you do), and you are skipping a major on the LPGA schedule. Yes, I know she is playing on a sponsor's exemption. Translation: Wie is a sideshow, and organizers hope she will attract people to watch her play. Ticket buying people, that is.
Last I looked, Michelle Wie hasn't won anything on the LPGA tour, although she has come close, with some 2nd place finishes a few years ago. Why is she bothering to try and compete against PGA Tour players when she hasn't bested a field on her own tour (of which she is not a full card carrying member anyway)? I don't get it. It's not a high profile thing to be a part of a PGA Tour event as a female, and get dusted by the guys. It doesn't enhance the legacy that is Michelle Wie, amateur golfer ate Stanford. It enhances the image of Michelle Wie, great player getting horrid advice by the people closest to her.
Before you click the comment box, and start proclaiming me a Wie-hater, or a chauvinist pig, let me point out that Annika Sorenstam, Paula Creamer and Helen Alfredsson, all accomplished players on the LPGA Tour are saying EXACTLY the same thing. When Sorenstam played on the PGA Tour (at Colonial I think), she had already won a basketful of LPGA major titles, and regular events. She was the world's top ranked female golfer. She EARNED the right to take her shots against the guys. She had proven herself, and I for one liked watching her take her shots. Wie hasn't earned anything yet, except making the cut against the men in Asia. Once.
I am all about the good story, and people chasing their dreams. Michelle Wie's dreams should lie on the LPGA Tour. Not because she is a female, but because her talents don't translate to playing against the men on the PGA Tour. This is her 8th attempt against the men. Almost as many absences as Ferris Bueller had, before he changed them.
Make it stop. Please. Next thing you know, Chicago Cubs fans will blame losing out on a World Series title on a fan reaching for a foul ball, or some billy goat curse.
Wait a minute....
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Emeka, Stewart, and more
Emeka Okafor has agreed to a new contract with the Bobcats--6 years, $12 million per. $72 million total. (More on the story here at news14.com) What was different on this offer than the one he turned down last year? The length of deal. 5 years versus 6.
If the difference between player and management was length of contract, why won't someone come out and say that? Seriously, there would be a lot less animosity in sports, if people stopped hiding behind things, and just came out and said, "we agree on the dollars, we just need to nail down the length of contract." John Q. Fan would then not have to be bitter about an athlete being offered $12,000,000 (did that on purpose so you could count the zeroes) per season, only to refuse it. The perception becomes "the athlete is being greedy." The Bobcats aren't exactly the number 1 team in Charlotte's heart these days--attendance numbers are not where the team would like them to be, they have yet to make the playoffs, and I still think the city has a Hornets hangover (yeah, it was some kind of party).
The Okafor contract situation (which appears to be resolved) may have widened the divide between the team and fans. I hope not, but it certainly fueled some people I've talked to into feeling like the Bobcats aren't holding their interest anymore. Others say they want so badly to like the team, but they continually screw things up. Here's hoping the answers and some positives are around the next bend for the Cats.
Tony Stewart roughed up a USAC official last week in Indianapolis. OK, that's an overstatement. He grabbed the official's headset off his head, and chucked it to the ground. Stewart then ran into another official (who ran at Stewart--Stewart braced himself and then pushed back at the 2nd guy). It was an eventful night, no doubt. Smoke has been fined $10,000 dollars, and placed on probation for the remainder of the year. Not in NASCAR, but in USAC. This punishment is not a big deal. Stewart crossed a line, and was penalized for it. Stewart has even gone beyond the punishment, and will buy new uniforms and new radios for the USAC officials. What this also does, however, is dispel the notion that Stewart is a jerk. Did he over-react? Absolutely. Is he sorry for it? You bet. Is it excusable? Not in the least. His reaction in the aftermath is a far cry from the driver/person he used to be. In the past, Stewart would do something, be punished, and show no remorse for his actions. If you asked him, the others would be the ones to blame, and his actions were justified. Not anymore. It's a step in the right direction.
Panther training camp continues in Spartanburg, leading up to Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium this Saturday at 11 a.m. I won't lie, camp isn't fun for anyone. Players, coaches, media, nobody enjoys it. The best part of camp is the fact that each day that wraps up means the season is one day closer to beginning. I haven't been back to Spartanburg since Saturday's opening practice, but by all accounts, the vibe at Wofford is different (over the course of the first 6 workouts), than it has been in years past. I got a sense of that on Saturday, but having not seen it with my own eyes since makes it harder for me, personally, to make that statement.
It does make sense, though, that players and coaches would be in a different state of mind, considering that the heat is on Head Coach John Fox and GM Marty Hurney to get this franchise back into the post-season, or else. The players all seem to love playing for Fox, and simply do not want another coach in their calling the shots. It's as much on the guys in the uniforms as it is on the coaches and front office to make this season successful. It's unity in face of danger, yet they aren't looking scared. They look eager, confident and excited. Pretty good place to be, if you asked me.
Mike Solarte
If the difference between player and management was length of contract, why won't someone come out and say that? Seriously, there would be a lot less animosity in sports, if people stopped hiding behind things, and just came out and said, "we agree on the dollars, we just need to nail down the length of contract." John Q. Fan would then not have to be bitter about an athlete being offered $12,000,000 (did that on purpose so you could count the zeroes) per season, only to refuse it. The perception becomes "the athlete is being greedy." The Bobcats aren't exactly the number 1 team in Charlotte's heart these days--attendance numbers are not where the team would like them to be, they have yet to make the playoffs, and I still think the city has a Hornets hangover (yeah, it was some kind of party).The Okafor contract situation (which appears to be resolved) may have widened the divide between the team and fans. I hope not, but it certainly fueled some people I've talked to into feeling like the Bobcats aren't holding their interest anymore. Others say they want so badly to like the team, but they continually screw things up. Here's hoping the answers and some positives are around the next bend for the Cats.
Tony Stewart roughed up a USAC official last week in Indianapolis. OK, that's an overstatement. He grabbed the official's headset off his head, and chucked it to the ground. Stewart then ran into another official (who ran at Stewart--Stewart braced himself and then pushed back at the 2nd guy). It was an eventful night, no doubt. Smoke has been fined $10,000 dollars, and placed on probation for the remainder of the year. Not in NASCAR, but in USAC. This punishment is not a big deal. Stewart crossed a line, and was penalized for it. Stewart has even gone beyond the punishment, and will buy new uniforms and new radios for the USAC officials. What this also does, however, is dispel the notion that Stewart is a jerk. Did he over-react? Absolutely. Is he sorry for it? You bet. Is it excusable? Not in the least. His reaction in the aftermath is a far cry from the driver/person he used to be. In the past, Stewart would do something, be punished, and show no remorse for his actions. If you asked him, the others would be the ones to blame, and his actions were justified. Not anymore. It's a step in the right direction.
Panther training camp continues in Spartanburg, leading up to Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium this Saturday at 11 a.m. I won't lie, camp isn't fun for anyone. Players, coaches, media, nobody enjoys it. The best part of camp is the fact that each day that wraps up means the season is one day closer to beginning. I haven't been back to Spartanburg since Saturday's opening practice, but by all accounts, the vibe at Wofford is different (over the course of the first 6 workouts), than it has been in years past. I got a sense of that on Saturday, but having not seen it with my own eyes since makes it harder for me, personally, to make that statement.
It does make sense, though, that players and coaches would be in a different state of mind, considering that the heat is on Head Coach John Fox and GM Marty Hurney to get this franchise back into the post-season, or else. The players all seem to love playing for Fox, and simply do not want another coach in their calling the shots. It's as much on the guys in the uniforms as it is on the coaches and front office to make this season successful. It's unity in face of danger, yet they aren't looking scared. They look eager, confident and excited. Pretty good place to be, if you asked me.
Mike Solarte
Monday, July 28, 2008
Happy Monday
Panthers training camp rolls on with 2 practices set for 9:10 am and 6 pm. So far, only a pair of minor injuries (RB Nick Goings and WR Josh Davis), and as long as the Spartanburg bumps and bruises remain minor, everyone will be happy. I was at camp on Saturday, and it's a good vibe with the players. They know the job in front of them, they are putting in the time to get it done, and they are doing it with as much of a smile as one can muster being trapped there.
We'll have more training camp news for you on Sports Night at 10.
The Daytona 500 is the Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing. It's the Great American Race. The NASCAR race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (or the Brickyard if you like), is considered the 2nd biggest race on the Sprint Cup schedule.
And we got that?
If you missed it, the Allstate 400 was the worst display of racing NASCAR has ever seen. I say this even after watching (and covering) the debacle that took place a few years ago at Lowe's Motor Speedway after the track was resurfaced by diamond-grinding it. You see, the surface at Lowe's was only partially done. Parts of the track patches didn't take, plus the surface was still very raw, eating up tires faster than a 9 year old with a pack of Gummi Lifesavers.
The Brickyard has a reputation fo chewing up tires, and NASCAR and Goodyear KNEW this was the case, after an April test session. Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Kurt Busch and Brian Vickers tested the new car (formerly known as the COT) at Indy, and they were burning up tires back then. So between April and July 27th, Goodyear couldn't come up with a better tire for this particular surface, when they had all the data they could get?
Where are the drivers on all of this? Only a few have voiced their displeasure, saying the situation was embarrassing, or calling it a joke. Where are the others? Oh, wait, NASCAR threw a basic "gag-order" on all of them earloier this season. basically, say something nice, or don't say anything at all. A majority of drivers are playing the nice role, saying things like "it's nobody's fault," or "we did what we had to." What would the late Dale Earnhardt say? Whatever he wanted.
This is not the first time this season a tire issue has come up in NASCAR's top series, but I would have to think it's coming pretty close to being the last. The price of gas, tickets, supplies (for those fans that camp out at the facility) and so on is too high for the fans to see such a mess. The drivers apologized to the fans, then then praised NASCAR for handling a bad situation as well as they could.
Someone is to blame here. Whether it is Goodyear for making a garbage tire for that surface, or it is the Brickyard for having a track that resembles 80 grit sandpaper. For me, the blame falls on both Goodyear and the IMS equally. Indy's surface should be better than that (after 99 years of racing, a new slick of asphalt is ok every 10 years or so, right guys?). Goodyear KNEW there would be tire issues, and brought a tire that was simply not up to snuff.
NASCAR is not totally off the hook, however. Many folks at the track were saying that the new car is also a culprit here--a heavier car that worked the right rear tires like they never have before. Another flaw in this new ride that the folks at NASCAR R&D will likely look into. Still, I, too, applaud the way Robin Pemberton and his folks handled Sunday--someone pass him the Advil.
When the track at Lowe's was resurfaced (and before it was re-paved), Tony Stewart ripped Humpy Wheeler saying "if he wants to see how a track is resurfaced correctly, he should go to Indy." I would hope Stewart would attempt to seek out Mr. Wheeler today, and apologize. Indy's showing on Sunday left a bad taste in everyone's mouth, except race winner Jimmie Johnson.
At least he wasn't dealing with bits of tire rubber when he kissed the bricks.
We'll have more training camp news for you on Sports Night at 10.
****************
I want to know where the outcry is. Seriously. I want to know.The Daytona 500 is the Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing. It's the Great American Race. The NASCAR race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (or the Brickyard if you like), is considered the 2nd biggest race on the Sprint Cup schedule.
And we got that?
If you missed it, the Allstate 400 was the worst display of racing NASCAR has ever seen. I say this even after watching (and covering) the debacle that took place a few years ago at Lowe's Motor Speedway after the track was resurfaced by diamond-grinding it. You see, the surface at Lowe's was only partially done. Parts of the track patches didn't take, plus the surface was still very raw, eating up tires faster than a 9 year old with a pack of Gummi Lifesavers.
The Brickyard has a reputation fo chewing up tires, and NASCAR and Goodyear KNEW this was the case, after an April test session. Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Kurt Busch and Brian Vickers tested the new car (formerly known as the COT) at Indy, and they were burning up tires back then. So between April and July 27th, Goodyear couldn't come up with a better tire for this particular surface, when they had all the data they could get?
Where are the drivers on all of this? Only a few have voiced their displeasure, saying the situation was embarrassing, or calling it a joke. Where are the others? Oh, wait, NASCAR threw a basic "gag-order" on all of them earloier this season. basically, say something nice, or don't say anything at all. A majority of drivers are playing the nice role, saying things like "it's nobody's fault," or "we did what we had to." What would the late Dale Earnhardt say? Whatever he wanted.
This is not the first time this season a tire issue has come up in NASCAR's top series, but I would have to think it's coming pretty close to being the last. The price of gas, tickets, supplies (for those fans that camp out at the facility) and so on is too high for the fans to see such a mess. The drivers apologized to the fans, then then praised NASCAR for handling a bad situation as well as they could.
Someone is to blame here. Whether it is Goodyear for making a garbage tire for that surface, or it is the Brickyard for having a track that resembles 80 grit sandpaper. For me, the blame falls on both Goodyear and the IMS equally. Indy's surface should be better than that (after 99 years of racing, a new slick of asphalt is ok every 10 years or so, right guys?). Goodyear KNEW there would be tire issues, and brought a tire that was simply not up to snuff.
NASCAR is not totally off the hook, however. Many folks at the track were saying that the new car is also a culprit here--a heavier car that worked the right rear tires like they never have before. Another flaw in this new ride that the folks at NASCAR R&D will likely look into. Still, I, too, applaud the way Robin Pemberton and his folks handled Sunday--someone pass him the Advil.
When the track at Lowe's was resurfaced (and before it was re-paved), Tony Stewart ripped Humpy Wheeler saying "if he wants to see how a track is resurfaced correctly, he should go to Indy." I would hope Stewart would attempt to seek out Mr. Wheeler today, and apologize. Indy's showing on Sunday left a bad taste in everyone's mouth, except race winner Jimmie Johnson.
At least he wasn't dealing with bits of tire rubber when he kissed the bricks.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Camp Report-Saturday morning
SPARTANBURG, SC.
In the dead of night, while most, if not all of us, were asleep, the Panthers came to terms on the rookie contract of Jonathan Stewart. The deal is for five years and worth $10.8 million. The Panthers got the deal done with Jeff Otah on Friday, and to make room on the roster, the Panthers released RB Alex Haynes and LB Brandon Jamison.
Notes from the morning workout:
Stewart worked alongside DeAngelo Williams splitting the carries during the morning workout with the ones. Stewart looked good, showing no signs of the surgically repaired toe that kept him out of mini-camp work in April. He also missed the OTA's, due to his school (Oregon) still being in session, which forced him to skip those workouts. Long story short, he's not in football shape (but trust me, he's not fat), and he's practicing. On time. No hold out. Big positive.
Jake Delhomme is bouncing around like a schoolkid. Having missed most of last season with the elbow surgery, he was chomping at the bit to get started this morning. His passes looked good, and Head Coach John Fox mentioned they would keep an eye on him, and the number of throws he'll get. This is nothing new, as they have regulated Jake in camp before, but now they will be keeping a closer watch, simply because he is coming off the surgery. Fox says the team doctors have pronounced him healthy, so he will practice. Don't be surprised, though, if Jake gets a workout or 2 off just to keep him fresh.
The O-Line, revamped, re-tooled, and re-fed, looked good. The Panthers worked Toniu Fonoti at the right guard spot with the ones today. That's not an indication of where he'll begin the season, but "you have to start somewhere on the depth chart," according to Fox. The other OL ones in the morning: Jordan Gross at LT, Travelle Wharton at LG, Ryan Kalil at C, Fonoti at RG, and Otah at the RT position. Lots of pad popping during the 11-on-11 drills, and much of the noise coming from the line of scrimmage. They should be earth movers, if they stay healthy.
Julius Peppers won't be speaking to the media today, but that won't stop us from talking about him. He looked leaner (believe it or not), which will likely lead to people speculating that he has a tapeworm or something. He looked fine in the practice-he's not a rah-rah guy in practice anyway. One highlight from #90--in 1-on-1 drills, he blew Gross back about 3 yards in pursuit of a ghost QB. Hope that is a sign of things to come.
Jason Carter made several tough catches during the practice, and made all the routine ones. I didn't see him drop a pass all practice long.
The Spartanburg weather cooperated with the team. Overcast skies and brief rain showers made the practice bearable.
More as camp progresses, and as always, on Sports Night at 10.
Mike Solarte
In the dead of night, while most, if not all of us, were asleep, the Panthers came to terms on the rookie contract of Jonathan Stewart. The deal is for five years and worth $10.8 million. The Panthers got the deal done with Jeff Otah on Friday, and to make room on the roster, the Panthers released RB Alex Haynes and LB Brandon Jamison.
Notes from the morning workout:
Stewart worked alongside DeAngelo Williams splitting the carries during the morning workout with the ones. Stewart looked good, showing no signs of the surgically repaired toe that kept him out of mini-camp work in April. He also missed the OTA's, due to his school (Oregon) still being in session, which forced him to skip those workouts. Long story short, he's not in football shape (but trust me, he's not fat), and he's practicing. On time. No hold out. Big positive.Jake Delhomme is bouncing around like a schoolkid. Having missed most of last season with the elbow surgery, he was chomping at the bit to get started this morning. His passes looked good, and Head Coach John Fox mentioned they would keep an eye on him, and the number of throws he'll get. This is nothing new, as they have regulated Jake in camp before, but now they will be keeping a closer watch, simply because he is coming off the surgery. Fox says the team doctors have pronounced him healthy, so he will practice. Don't be surprised, though, if Jake gets a workout or 2 off just to keep him fresh.
The O-Line, revamped, re-tooled, and re-fed, looked good. The Panthers worked Toniu Fonoti at the right guard spot with the ones today. That's not an indication of where he'll begin the season, but "you have to start somewhere on the depth chart," according to Fox. The other OL ones in the morning: Jordan Gross at LT, Travelle Wharton at LG, Ryan Kalil at C, Fonoti at RG, and Otah at the RT position. Lots of pad popping during the 11-on-11 drills, and much of the noise coming from the line of scrimmage. They should be earth movers, if they stay healthy.
Julius Peppers won't be speaking to the media today, but that won't stop us from talking about him. He looked leaner (believe it or not), which will likely lead to people speculating that he has a tapeworm or something. He looked fine in the practice-he's not a rah-rah guy in practice anyway. One highlight from #90--in 1-on-1 drills, he blew Gross back about 3 yards in pursuit of a ghost QB. Hope that is a sign of things to come.
Jason Carter made several tough catches during the practice, and made all the routine ones. I didn't see him drop a pass all practice long.
The Spartanburg weather cooperated with the team. Overcast skies and brief rain showers made the practice bearable.
More as camp progresses, and as always, on Sports Night at 10.
Mike Solarte
Friday, July 25, 2008
Otah is in
The Panthers have finalized the contract of 19th overall pick Jeff Otah, and continue to work on the deal for 13th pick Jonathan Stewart.
From afar, it appears that Stewart's deal is close enough to being done that he shouldn't miss significant (if any) time at camp this weekend, as the Panthers generally don't mess around with rookie contracts. My guess (and this is a guess), is that Stewart gets done, and may miss the morning workout Saturday, but will be practicing Saturday night (at the 6pm practice).
I'll know more in the morning in Spartanburg, and will update you then.
MS
From afar, it appears that Stewart's deal is close enough to being done that he shouldn't miss significant (if any) time at camp this weekend, as the Panthers generally don't mess around with rookie contracts. My guess (and this is a guess), is that Stewart gets done, and may miss the morning workout Saturday, but will be practicing Saturday night (at the 6pm practice).
I'll know more in the morning in Spartanburg, and will update you then.
MS
Christmas in July
Sing it with me...
"It's the most wonderful time of the year...."
Camp opens Saturday morning, and I'll make the trek to SpartanVegas for the morning workout. Here's the Panther practice schedule if you feel the urge to check out the team--all practices are free and open to the public on the campus of Wofford College.
Saturday, July 26 9:10 a.m. 6:40 p.m. (night practice)
Sunday, July 27 3:10 p.m.
Monday, July 28 9:10 a.m. 6:40 p.m. (night practice)
Tuesday, July 29 3:10 p.m.
Wednesday, July 30 9:10 a.m. 3:10 p.m.
Thursday, July 31 3:10 p.m.
Friday, August 1 9:10 a.m. 6:40 p.m. (night practice)
Saturday, August 2 FANFEST at BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, August 3 OFF
Monday, August 4 9:10 a.m. 6:40 p.m. (night practice)
Tuesday, August 5 3:10 p.m.
Wednesday, August 6 9:10 a.m. 3:10 p.m.
Thursday, August 7 3:10 p.m.
Friday, August 8 10:45 a.m.
Saturday, August 9 vs. Indianapolis Colts 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 10 OFF
Monday, August 11 TBD
Tuesday, August 12 TBD
Wednesday, August 13 TBD
It would appear by the schedule that the week after the Indianapolis game could be a short one in Spartanburg, but that determination will be made later.
Tim Baier was on hand as the players reported for work on Friday. Among the things he passed along:
Steve Smith is making a video diary for NFL Network. Smitty apparently likes News 14 or just knows us fairly well. He got out of his car, camera in hand, pointed it at Tim and said, "there's channel 14..." and then went to the other cameras in attendance and asked them who they were and who they were shooting for. That's kinda neat.
DeAngelo Williams and Richard Marshall have made some investments for their stay at Wofford--motorized mini scooters. Williams says the scooter will help him save his legs from all the walking he'll do between the practice fields and the dorms. DeAngelo marches to his own beat, so this is actually rather funny, considering he's generally in unbelievable shape.
Jake Delhomme is eager to get back to work, but don't be shocked if the coaches keep him on a strict pitch count for camp. It's no secret that this team was a rudder-less ship after he went down to injury in 2007. There is no way Head Coach John Fox will allow Jake to throw more balls in practice than he needs to. It wouldn't shock me in the least if Jake actually gets days off during camp, just to keep tabs on his Tommy John-repaired throwing elbow.
GM Marty Hurney and Fox were scheduled to meet the media at around 5pm today. We'll let you know what was said tonight on Sports Night at 10.
More camp notes on the weekend!
Mike Solarte
"It's the most wonderful time of the year...."
Camp opens Saturday morning, and I'll make the trek to SpartanVegas for the morning workout. Here's the Panther practice schedule if you feel the urge to check out the team--all practices are free and open to the public on the campus of Wofford College.
Saturday, July 26 9:10 a.m. 6:40 p.m. (night practice)
Sunday, July 27 3:10 p.m.
Monday, July 28 9:10 a.m. 6:40 p.m. (night practice)
Tuesday, July 29 3:10 p.m.
Wednesday, July 30 9:10 a.m. 3:10 p.m.
Thursday, July 31 3:10 p.m.
Friday, August 1 9:10 a.m. 6:40 p.m. (night practice)
Saturday, August 2 FANFEST at BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, August 3 OFF
Monday, August 4 9:10 a.m. 6:40 p.m. (night practice)
Tuesday, August 5 3:10 p.m.
Wednesday, August 6 9:10 a.m. 3:10 p.m.
Thursday, August 7 3:10 p.m.
Friday, August 8 10:45 a.m.
Saturday, August 9 vs. Indianapolis Colts 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 10 OFF
Monday, August 11 TBD
Tuesday, August 12 TBD
Wednesday, August 13 TBD
It would appear by the schedule that the week after the Indianapolis game could be a short one in Spartanburg, but that determination will be made later.
Tim Baier was on hand as the players reported for work on Friday. Among the things he passed along:
Steve Smith is making a video diary for NFL Network. Smitty apparently likes News 14 or just knows us fairly well. He got out of his car, camera in hand, pointed it at Tim and said, "there's channel 14..." and then went to the other cameras in attendance and asked them who they were and who they were shooting for. That's kinda neat.
DeAngelo Williams and Richard Marshall have made some investments for their stay at Wofford--motorized mini scooters. Williams says the scooter will help him save his legs from all the walking he'll do between the practice fields and the dorms. DeAngelo marches to his own beat, so this is actually rather funny, considering he's generally in unbelievable shape.
Jake Delhomme is eager to get back to work, but don't be shocked if the coaches keep him on a strict pitch count for camp. It's no secret that this team was a rudder-less ship after he went down to injury in 2007. There is no way Head Coach John Fox will allow Jake to throw more balls in practice than he needs to. It wouldn't shock me in the least if Jake actually gets days off during camp, just to keep tabs on his Tommy John-repaired throwing elbow.
GM Marty Hurney and Fox were scheduled to meet the media at around 5pm today. We'll let you know what was said tonight on Sports Night at 10.
More camp notes on the weekend!
Mike Solarte
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