SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Coaches like to create game-like situations during training camp, and the weather provided the Panthers with one on Thursday.
Just as they began team drills, storm clouds rolled into Spartanburg, and the Panthers were forced to take cover in the locker room.
"We had a halftime because of the rain and guys came back out and picked up right where they left off. That was good to see," Rivera said. "Quite honestly, it was funny, because we started talking about how we come out in the second halfs. We talked about wanting to pick it up from the very start. It was good to hear in the offensive huddle the guys talking about that, too."
After a brief intermission, the team returned to the field and resumed practice with the tempo Rivera was looking for.
With referees in attendance to officiate practice for the first time, the Panthers worked on two-minute drills toward the end of practice.
The first team offense was held out of the end zone during their two-minute opportunity, but the second team scored when quarterback Derek Anderson connected with wide receiver Ted Ginn in the back corner of the end zone.
Overall, Rivera was pleased with his team's effort following a day off, and he was particularly impressed with the way quarterback Cam Newton rebounded from some struggles during Tuesday's practice.
"Cam had a very good day today," Rivera said. "He did miss one throw, but man he threw the ball well and he made some really good decisions.
"Very happy with that and very happy with the way we practiced in general. We had a day off, the players came back, fresh legs, they were refreshed; they had a lot of energy."
HEALTH UPDATE: Linebacker Jon Beason (knee), running back Jonathan Stewart (ankle), guard Edmund Kugbila (hamstring) and defensive tackle Linden Gaydosh (back) did not participate once again. Linebacker Thomas Davis (hamstring) took part in position drills but sat out team periods.
