Unfortunately, and for the second week in a row, the Carolina Panthers are keeping their preseason plans close to the vest. So who knows what we should expect to see on Saturday night against the New York Jets.
Nonetheless, here are six things we’re watching for in the team’s latest bit of summer action . . .
1. Who’s playing?: A pretty basic, but pretty pertinent question considering the Panthers sat 33 players in last week’s opener against the New England Patriots. Once again, head coach Dave Canales was non-committal about who will suit up—leaving fans clamoring for a glimpse at quarterback Bryce Young and the rest of the team’s starters.
2. Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall Jr. looking to bounce back: The two young wideouts have been amongst the most hyped Panthers this summer, but came up empty with a drop apiece in their first taste of preseason action. After an impressive day of joint practice against the Jets, can the two translate their results into a game setting?
3. Offensive line depth: Between potentially sitting their starters again and their bevy of injuries, the Panthers have been forced to add a handful of new names to their offensive line. We may see Carolina dig deep and play Jack Anderson, Tyler Smith, Mason Brooks and Ike Boettger—all of whom were signed over the past week.
4. Takeaways: Although relatively solid in 2023, the Panthers defense ranked last in the NFL in takeaways. The last few practices, however, has seen the unit make both their own quarterback and Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers pay. Can they continue the trend?
5. Cornerback depth: With projected starter Dane Jackson lost for “six-ish” weeks due to a hamstring injury, it’s more important than ever for Carolina to see one of their backups step up. Luckily, the likes of Lamar Jackson, Dicaprio Bootle and D’Shawn Jamison have been doing exactly that this summer. Will one really begin to emerge as Jackson’s replacement, or will the front office look for a more proven option elsewhere?
6. Reaching the end zone: The Panthers have scored zero touchdowns in their last three games (the final two of the 2023 regular season and last Thursday’s exhibition loss to the Patriots). Heck, their plane even had trouble getting a touchdown. Will we finally see one tonight?
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