Carolina Panthers 2012 Training Camp Preview

REPORT DATES: July 16th (rookies), July 27th (veterans)

SITE: Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC

CAMP OBJECTIVES: The Panthers have no questions at the quarterback position
after Cam Newton’s dazzling rookie season in 2011, but there are a few issues
that still need to be resolved in other areas if the young club is to continue
its progression. Most of those concerns lie on defense, with a pair of
starting spots up for grabs in the secondary and several veterans attempting
to make their way back from serious injuries. Carolina would like to see one
of two high-upside youngsters, either 2011 fourth-round pick Brandon Hogan or
rookie fifth-rounder Josh Norman, quickly develop into a capable cornerback
opposite stalwart Chris Gamble and push the undersized Captain Munnerlyn into
slot duties, while incumbent free safety Sherrod Martin is on the hot seat
after an erratic last season and the addition of heady ex-Raven Haruki
Nakamura. Three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Jon Beason has been cleared for
practice after missing all but one game due to a torn Achilles, but where
he’ll play has yet to be fully determined. It’s possible that the usual middle
linebacker will be shifted to the weakside to make room for pro-ready rookie
Luke Kuechly, the ninth overall choice in this past draft, or Kuechly could
start at the WILL if that proves to be a better fit. The comeback of fellow
linebacker Thomas Davis from a third ACL tear in three years to his right knee
will also be a compelling storyline of this preseason, while the team is
hopeful talented wideout David Gettis is over his own knee injury and can
serve as the No. 3 receiver and that undrafted find Byron Bell can be a solid
replacement for the departed Jeff Otah at right tackle after an encouraging
rookie year.

PRESEASON SCHEDULE (All Times Eastern):

Aug. 11 – vs. Houston, 7 p.m.
Aug. 18 – vs. Miami, 8 p.m.
Aug. 26 – at N.Y. Jets, 8 p.m.
Aug. 30 – at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.