Comments from Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox following the team's final minicamp practice.
On his impressions of the three-day minicamp: I think the guys worked hard. I think we've worked very hard this offseason. Other than a couple of guys that had offseason surgery that we need to get moving along, I thought it was a very good camp.
On if any players stood out: A lot of guys. Steve Smith, Jake (Delhomme) looked very, very good. Not to single people out but I thought a lot of guys made plays, and that's what this game is about.
On how much installation was delayed by several defensive starters not practicing: Those guys are all pretty sharp guys. In some ways it was a blessing because we had some younger guys that got more reps for the camp. Those guys are all in the meetings, so they are listening. For the most part they are veteran enough guys that have played enough in this league that I don't think it's passing them by by any stretch.
On what will happen between now and the start of summer school in three weeks: We are still in our offseason conditioning program. We get back to it tomorrow. Guys are getting a little bit bigger, stronger and faster, and, hopefully, a little bit smarter this time around.
On where he hopes the rookies will be when they return for summer school: Start to cut loose and play football rather than thinking. We've still got a lot of installation to do, but I saw good progress by the young guys, and, hopefully, we can start where we left off.
On undrafted rookie free agent running back Jamall Lee: He's learning our system; he's got physical tools, obviously. We'll see how he progresses.
On if cornerback Richard Marshall's play fell off last year: Not really. He's a young player. Playing that nickel position is not the world's easiest position. Like all players, you see improvement from one year to the next, and I anticipate that he'll have that kind of improvement this year.
On if he has received any indication from defensive end Julius Peppers or his agent that Peppers will at training camp: We've had great communication. The players have said and I've said it – he's always been in shape, and I think he'll be ready to play.
