DEFENSIVE DAY: The defense set the pace throughout Tuesday's practice, the second consecutive one without full pads. In the first team period of the day, about the only thing the offense could get going was a couple of underneath routes to wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery.

The first, second and third teams all got two series of snaps, and the longest play by the offense was nearly a big play for the defense. Rookie Devin Funchess made an impressive snag between two defenders over the middle on a Cam Newton pass that seemed like it might be picked off.

NEWTON UP AND DOWN: Newton did hit tight end Greg Olsen for a short touchdown late in practice, but overall it wasn't his best day.

"He made some great reads and delivered the ball, but he was just off," head coach Ron Rivera said. "At least he's making good reads and good decisions; that's always a good step."

Rivera seemed unconcerned.

"We work him every day in practice," Rivera said. "He's going to have good days, going to have bad days."

TWO-MINUTE WARNING: Aside from the final period, Rivera was pleased with the pace of practice.Ironically, Rivera pinned the blame for the finish on an earlier period designed to be up-tempo.

"One of the things we did that really slows things down is the two-minute drill," Rivera said. "There's so much to focus on and work on that it really slows it down a lot."

In fact, the second team didn't even get to finish its two-minute drill, with Rivera blowing it dead with time still on the clock. The defense had its way against the first team, yielding an initial first down before shutting the door.

"Nice job!" defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said. "You just won the game!"

ON LINE: Tuesday's practice produced some positive moments for the defensive line. Defensive tackle Kawann Short, who returned to practice Monday from a back injury, showed some impressive power and push in one-on-one drills.

Defensive end Mario Addison enjoyed a strong day in a couple of areas. He showed off his speed a couple of times in one-on-ones and also in team periods, bursting through the middle of the pass protection on one occasion to force a Newton throw.

Defensive end Rakim Cox, the late-game story of the preseason opener, got some first-team reps for the second straight day.

BENJAMIN BACK, JOHNSON STILL OUT: Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin returned after experiencing some soreness following the Buffalo game, and cornerback Teddy Williams - who left the game with concussion-like symptoms - was back in uniform. The usual suspects of late (defensive end Charles Johnson, cornerback Lou Young) remained out.