The Panthers might show a few more players on defense in their second preseason tilt
While the talk of the last week has been the Carolina Panthers abysmal performance on offense against the New England Patriots in their first preseason game last week, their defense quietly showed some pieces that could end up contributing come the regular season. While its hard to say at this juncture who exactly will play, both on the New York Jets and Panthers, this week, there’s still a few storylines to follow as we continue to evaluate the defense Ejiro Evero will trot out come week one. Let’s dive in.
Which Edge Rushers will stand up?
I don’t know how many plays the starters will get this week, as the coaching staff has been mum on that topic. But, there’s an opportunity for the edge rushers to step up regardless of this. Jadeveon Clowney, as a veteran edge defender, will likely see limited snaps even if the first team defense gets more than a few series. Couple that with K’Lavon Chaisson reportedly not practicing on Tuesday, there’s a pretty solid chance that the Panthers will be testing their younger group at EDGE. The biggest beneficiary of the time to shine was Eku Leota last week, as he flashed on several plays and showed out as a disruptive force once the Patriots started getting their backups out there. DJ Johnson may also get a chance to show fans why he’s listed as the starter opposite Clowney on the team’s first preseason depth chart.
More Cornerbacks please
Free agent acquisition and presumed starter in 2024 Dane Jackson left practice on Tuesday with a hamstring issue. Granted, he still has the last half of the week to rest it and get out there on Saturday, but I would not be surprised if the coaching staff plays it safe with him and gives those snaps to some of the other young guns on the roster. Jaycee Horn SHOULD also see a limited snap count, if any at all, this week due to his injury history and the fact that he’s a DAWG when healthy and we know what he can bring at this point. That leaves room for a guy like Lamar Jackson to expand on his two passes deflected last week. Jackson, DiCaprio Bootle, and D’Shawn Jamison should all see a crap ton of snaps this week, a long with rookie 5th rounder Chau Smith-Wade. Of all positions to watch this week, I’d keep my eyes on how the CBs do.
Figure out the depth at interior Linebacker
It looks like Claudin Cherilus and rookie 3rd round pick Trevin Wallace have two of the four linebacker positions locked down, but their usage and performance could be a huge indicator of what the contingency plan would be if either Shaq Thompson of Josey Jewell miss any time this season. There’s several other linebackers vying for a spot on the 53 man roster or as a practice squad guy with a high likelihood of being called up during the regular season. Special teams snaps will also matter a great deal to this position group.
Who are you watching on Saturday, Panthers fans? Comment down below with what you are excited to see!