PANTHERS OTAs -- PHASE 3

As the final segment of OTAs, phase 3, unrolls this week, the Panthers have taken an unusual step. The team wants to get  through these training events injury-free if possible. To that end the Panthers (and all other clubs as well) protect their QBs as much as humanly possible. While running through crazy antics on the field with massive numbers of players (the current roster number is 90, although the Panthers have only 88 players at this time..), it is very important for QBs to avoid unnecessary contact. To make certain that players can readily identify the QBs, they are (almost always) wearing a different color jersey. This is now, and has been for years, red. Red jerseys are easily seen and avoided. This is the reason they are used.

This year in phase 3, the Panthers have decided to change it up a little. The Offense and Defense are wearing Blue or White jerseys and the QBs are decked out in ...... BLACK. Probably won't stay that way, but for now it's different and is meant to instill a little camaraderie while keeping the QBs safe at the same time. The change, initiated by QB Coach Josh McCown***, has been well received.....

*** That is the way I first heard about it, HOWEVER ---  The IDEA was (apparently) the brainchild of QB Andy Dalton.

PANTHERS.COM:  Panthers QBs Turn-Out in BLACK Jerseys