Carolina Panthers Prepare for Opener in Florida

By Robert Kester

Jon Beason, Pro-Bowl linebacker for the Carolina Panthers hit proverbial nail on the head when explaining the benefits for the Panthers, who will prepare for their opener with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Florida this week. That being the adjustment to the hot and humid conditions the Panthers will find themselves entrenched in on Sunday.

The Panthers shift their work week beginning Tuesday to the IMG Football Academy in Bradenton, Florida because of the Democratic National Convention, which the city of Charlotte, North Carolina is hosting this week.

The Panthers will say goodbye to possible distractions by heading south a little earlier than usual.

Beason likes the change in scenery and feels that practicing a full five days in the Florida weather will only benefit everyone on the team.

Beason told reporters, “I think it’s going to be a little humid down there so getting out there and having a whole week of practice in Florida versus getting off the bus in Tampa the day of the game and all of a sudden that Tampa weather hits you…,” Beason said. “Yes it will help us.”

It certainly will help. Not only will the Panthers adapt weather wise, but they will also be settled in and not traveling two days before kick-off.

Veteran wide receiver Steve Smith likes the change in preparation as well, “It’s no different than going to the Super Bowl.” Smith said.

Smith played in Super Bowl XXXVIII with the Panthers back in 2004.

All of this is a good sign considering team leaders are positive and upbeat about the change in the normal week to week routine.

So for week one, the Panthers will setup shop in Florida. Not a huge change, but one that could prove constructive for an improving team opening up on the road, in a crucial division show down.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like