During a recent Carolina Panthers training camp session, defensive coverage took the spotlight as outside linebacker Patrick Jones II made a notable play against running back Rico Dowdle. The event occurred away from the main action on the field and was not captured in video or photos, but it drew attention from teammates and coaches.
Throughout this year’s camp, much focus has been placed on the team’s wide range of pass catchers, including wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs used in passing situations. However, the defense has also shown adaptability by having players like Jones cover offensive threats.
Earlier in camp, Jones intercepted a pass from quarterback Bryce Young and returned it for a touchdown during practice. Head coach Dave Canales commented on that play: “It was just great vision,” Canales said of the play back on July 24. “Quarterback intentions, he’s in that bonus hook area like he does, and he kind of dropped back, got to his spot, and got vision on the quarterback. That’s the veteran play in his game right now that a lot of the other guys are gonna be able to see, get to your spot and see where the quarterback’s eyes are taking you, and, so he did it beautifully and of course he’s 6-5, and I didn’t know he could catch like that.”
Jones has since continued to take coverage assignments during practice sessions. In one instance last week, he lined up in the slot position and sought feedback from others about his performance.
On Tuesday’s practice session, Jones was matched against Dowdle downfield. Cornerback Jaycee Horn described these moments: “Our linebackers do a lot of covering in our defense, so it’s always fun to see them like match up on a running back or match up on a receiver in the slot,” cornerback Jaycee Horn said after practice.
“Those guys are athletic, so like I said, it’s always good to see them running up the sideline with the backs or whatever.”
During this particular drill, although quarterback Young completed a pass elsewhere on the field to rookie tight end Mitchell Evans, Jones managed to keep pace with Dowdle along the sideline into the end zone. Teammates shouted encouragement as Jones prevented Dowdle from becoming an option during Young’s scramble.
After making his stop against Dowdle, Jones imitated Horn’s signature seatbelt celebration—a gesture Horn welcomed: “Anybody welcome to use the seat belt,” Horn said, “As long as you strap ’em.”
