Jonathan Mingo’s Panthers allies offer helping hands

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Carolina Panthers receiver Jonathan Mingo is aiming for a bounceback from a pedestrian rookie season of 43 receptions for 418 yards and no touchdowns.

Coming off a disappointing rookie campaign, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo knew who to ask for help: Steve Smith Sr.

Having the Panthers Ring of Honor inductee as an ally and sounding board is an asset, Mingo anticipates Smith’s tutelage will pay dividends in his second season. So far, it has as coach Dave Canales mentioned Mingo when asked about players who stood out during the first stage of training camp.

Smith was not surprised.

“I don’t need to watch film on Jonathan Mingo the way y’all watching it,” Smith said during an appearance on “The Clubhouse with Kyle Bailey” radio show.  “Me and Jonathan put some work in this offseason. So, he was getting some work in with me (at) 7 o’clock in the morning. We were doing a lot of work together. This is Steve Smith and Jonathan Mingo, adjoined to the hip. He calls me, I call him. When I see something or he has a question, there’s an open line of communication.

“This [is] Batman and Robin talking, and trying to figure out how can we corral Joker, which is the [cornerbacks] he’ll be going against this year.”

Smith wasn’t the lone resource Mingo utilized during the offseason. He looked up Bryce Young, too.

Making up for missed opportunities

Entering the start of training camp, the wide receiver depth chart appeared thin outside the top three of Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen and rookie Xavier Legette.

Buoyed by the summer aid of Smith and Young, Mingo is staking an early claim for the WR4 role.

“Me and Bryce had a couple of times to train this offseason,” Mingo said Monday. “I’m just trying to go out there and capitalize on my opportunities every day.”

As a 2023 second-round draft pick, Mingo was selected 38 picks after Young. The previous regime envisioned the duo would grow together. That process has been slow.

Last year, Mingo earned a starting nod coming out of training camp but struggled lining up as an “X” receiver who was expected to develop into a downfield threat. It never happened. He had 40-yard reception against the Houston Texans on Oct. 29, but that proved to be a rare big play as Mingo managed 43 catches for 418 yards and zero touchdowns.

Canales said the Panthers’ new offensive staff are formulating plans to utilize Mingo’s skill set more effectively.

“I see Mingo ... playing really comfortably in a pro setting,” Canales said.

After summer workouts with Young, Mingo appears to be taking advantage of their developing chemistry while engaging in daily scramble drills.

“I just got a better feel for the game,” Mingo said. “I feel like me and him got a good groove together right now.”  

‘Just working on things’

Mingo recognized he needed extra help. Young was there for him.

“I feel like Bryce is really shifty, so I feel like last year I missed him on a couple of scramble opportunities,” Mingo said. “I knew that was a big thing I had to really focus on this year because Bryce, he can stop on a dime.  

“I’m always trying to be in phase with him knowing if he's rolling to the left, he can automatically come back to the right. I’m trying to be ready for him, trying to feel the defense and see where they're going to try and find a hole."

The 23-year-old found some openings early in training camp, collecting a series of eye-catching receptions. Young said Tuesday he has noticed a difference in Mingo since last year’s camp.  

“I’m excited for him this year,” Young said. “I think him having more confidence. When you have that experience ... he’s running routes freely.

“He’s embracing where he is. He’s made some big-time catches. I was here last year, obviously, and (as a rookie) sometimes it’s more (you must) try to survive. You can tell he’s calm, confident in what he’s doing.”

Will it project into a rebound sophomore season for Mingo and Young, who registered a 73.7 passer rating, the worst in the NFL last season?

It could come down to the nuances Mingo learned from sessions with Smith and Young.

“Just working on the things I know I need to work on,” Mingo said. “Getting a better feel for the game, getting used to the speed and everything and adjusting to everything.”

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