CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Standing before a hanging heavy bag, Mike Boone waited for his cue. When he got it, the Carolina Panthers running back drove toward the swinging target, connecting on the upswing, with leverage.
“There you go,” position coach Bernie Parmalee yelled during Wednesday’s practice. “There you go.”
A few minutes earlier Parmalee stood before the running back corps and pointed to the boxing bag, suggesting “That’s 17 right there.”
Parmalee preached proper blocking technique when blocking down on Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean.
“You’ve seen his tape,” he said.
Facing the NFC East-leading Eagles (10-2) on Sunday, the Panthers (3-9) must do everything possible to limit their pre-game disadvantage, starting with the wide receivers’ blocks. Paced by Saquon Barkley’s NFL-leading 1,499 yards, the Eagles rank first in rushing yards per game (188.9). The Panthers, meanwhile, rank last in rushing yards allowed per game (166.8).
While the Panthers’ injury-plagued defensive line likely will be challenged by Barkley and his vaunted offensive line, the wideouts practiced to deny Dean’s ability to get into the backfield.
“(Dean’s) amazing player, so he’s someone we want to take a look at,” running back/kick returner Raheem Blackshear said. “We’re ready for the challenge. We work pass protection every day so it’s just something we over-emphasize.”
To counter the Eagles’ rushing advantage, the Panthers also will look to Chuba Hubbard rebounding from his overtime fumble last Sunday, which led to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ game-winning field goal. Hubbard, who remains 81 yards short of registering his first 1,000-yard campaign, compiled just 43 yards last Sunday, his lowest total since Week 1.
Taking his turn at #NFL practice Wednesday, #Panthers practice squad RB Mike Boone (34) works on his blocking technique … pic.twitter.com/9iS50BaA5d
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) December 8, 2024
Quick Outs
Barkley enters Sunday 607 yards from breaking Eric Dickerson’s NFL single-season rushing record. … Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (knee) will not play Sunday, leaving the Panthers with D.J. Wonnum, DJ Johnson, Cam Gill and Amare Barno as edge rushers. … Despite practicing Wednesday and Thursday, safety Nick Scott (hamstring/personal) also was ruled out. … Wide receiver Dan Chisena, who registered his first career catch last Sunday, and linebacker Jacoby Windmon were elevated from the practice squad … Cornerback Mike Jackson has played 98 percent of the defensive snaps … Rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (neck), who wore a red no-contact jersey during Wednesday’s practice, could be a game-time decision.
@Panthers QB Bryce Young (9) and Deven Thompkins share a moment during Wednesday’s #NFL practice … pic.twitter.com/SR1NT7784Q
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) December 4, 2024
