Tag: Damien Lewis

Panthers All-22 film review: The good and bad from Week 15’s loss to the Cowboys

Despite a disappointing loss, the Panthers got some encouraging performances out of a few young studs in Week 15.

Week 15 proved to be a letdown for the Carolina Panthers, who came into Sunday’s contest against the visiting Dallas Cowboys as the betting favorites. After three straight weeks of near-upsets against playoff-bound squads, the Panthers faltered in a disappointing 30-14 loss.

At 3-11 and now officially out of playoff contention, we can start to peek ahead at the offseason—where the roster should be met with a few crossroads. This latest defeat proved that there’s still some remodeling to be done moving forward.

So, let’s dive into the All-22 film to identity some faults and, for you positive folks out there, highlight a few standout performers . . .

Jaycee Horn’s Pro Bowl season

If you were to look strictly at the box score for the former eighth overall pick, his one interception may not lead you to believe that he’s having a career campaign. But the film shows us an all-around impactful presence, both against the pass and the run.

Horn is currently has 64 total tackles and 15 stops, which is tied for the most amongst all cornerbacks this season. His technique in run support is teach-tape for young corners across the league and sport.

And not to mention, he’s been used on corner blitzes and racked up his second sack of the season on Sunday afternoon.

Against the Cowboys, his skill set in coverage was on full display. He offered patience in his backpedal when playing man coverage and showed aggressiveness at the catch point. He’s one of the best in the league at staying in phase with high-level instincts in zone coverage and spacing.

Unfortunately, Horn rarely shadowed wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and his comments in the locker room about playing within the scheme, despite wanting to defend the All-Pro pass catcher, were eye-opening. This has further fueled the debate around his defensive coordinator, Ejiro Evero, and his future in Carolina.

Horn has been healthy all season, a rarity for the previously injury-riddled defender. He has proven not only to be a worthy representative for the Panthers in the upcoming Pro Bowl Games, but also one of the elite players at his position.

Change is needed at safety

During training camp, it looked like the Panthers’ safety room was the best position group on the roster. But that’s not been the case during the regular season.

Carolina’s run defense will likely end on a historically bad note, as they’re allowing nearly 30 more rushing yards per game than the next closest unit. Yet, an underrated issue that has plagued the bunch has been the inconsistent play from safeties Xavier Woods and Jordan Fuller.

Both have shown serious miscommunication on the backend that has led to big plays for opposing offenses—and that was the case against Dallas. A below-average quarterback—Cooper Rush in this case—looked like an average passer when targeting Woods and Fuller due to their bad positioning and mismatches.

Woods and Fuller are free agents this offseason—and for a defense that is likely to see a near or complete revamp, they’ll likely be looking for new teams in 2025. The Panthers desperately need quality play on the backend from their safeties, especially if Evero is to return next season.

Jalen Coker’s Career Day

One of the few bright spots from Sunday’s loss was the career day from undrafted free agent Coker, who caught four passes for 110 yards and touchdown. That output was highlighted by this, the longest play of the year for the Panthers offense . . .

Coker has become a key part of the offense and was missed in the three games he sat due to a quad injury. Even as a first-year player, he has a veteran savviness that allows him to play the game smoothly and efficiently.

Outside of Adam Thielen, he is one of the best route runners on the roster and has an advanced feel for the open grass around him. Plus, Coker’s ball skills are right alongside the veteran receiver’s for the best on the team.

The 23-year-old has emerged as a potential staple for Carolina’s offense in 2025. While he may not be someone to lean on as the No. 1 guy, having a big No. 2 or 3 target to trust on longer down-and-distances will be beneficial for what the unit will look like next year.

Woeful day for the Panthers OL

Despite a great season from the unit overall, Carolina’s stout offensive line had their worst day of the season, by far. In the second half alone, they gave up six sacks and in what was seemingly a flashback to last year’s debacle of a line.

If you thought the entire offensive line struggled, that’s because it did—especially on the left side with tackle Ikem Ekwonu and guard Damien Lewis. Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer did an excellent job disguising pressure and making sure his players maintained rush integrity and discipline.

During the entire second half, it seemed like the Panthers’ front five was losing reps consistently—whether it was not getting deep enough into their sets or not establishing a firm anchor at the point of attack.

The Panthers have been more consistent offensively this season because of their wins in pass protection. None of that was on display Sunday.

With this group, this may have been a one-off game. However, this is something to keep an eye on as the season approaches its end.

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Panthers’ long-term investments in their offensive line are already paying off

Panthers GM Dan Morgan is getting his return on investment along the offensive line.

Even at 3-8 here in Week 13, the Carolina Panthers have come to experience more ups than downs this season.

Quarterback Bryce Young has bounced back into the starting lineup and is playing the best ball of his pro career, a few rookie pass catchers are carving out exciting roles and the defense—at least in the last three games—has stepped up to make key stops in giving the team a chance to win.

But the highest high note from the 2024 campaign has been their rebuilt offensive line.

One year ago, the Panthers had arguably the worst front five in the NFL. And the most glaring weaknesses on the group came on the inside, where there was a literal changing of the guards seemingly every week.

President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan made a promise in the offseason to rebuild the middle of the unit, and ended up spending a lot of money in doing so. In free agency, Carolina signed former Miami Dolphins right guard Robert Hunt to a five-year, $100 million deal then former Seattle Seahawks left guard Damien Lewis to a four-year, $53 million contract.

The Panthers also added Yosh Nijman as a quality spot starter behind tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton, and moved former right guard Austin Corbett to the starting center position.

And now, with the team having an entire offensive line it can be proud of, Morgan’s return on investment may already be one of the best this franchise has ever gotten.

One of the many beneficiaries of the reconstruction has been the left tackle in Ekwonu, who has been solid in his third NFL campaign. Having a stout left guard in Lewis has helped with communication and handling different types of pressures that have come their way.

Ekwonu’s current Pro Football Focus grades are all at career-highs—as he boasts an overall mark of 72.7 along with a 70.2 in pass blocking and an 82.3 in run blocking.

It’s plays like the one below that have the Panthers front office and fans smiling ear to ear.

There is pre-snap and post-snap communication, linemen are hitting their landmarks in pass-blocking sets, displaying active and competitive hands, getting grips on opposing defensive linemen and setting a firm anchor.

One of the most impressive performances from this group was against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12.

The Chiefs have an aggressive defensive front that can get after the quarterback at a blistering clip. Top defensive tackle Chris Jones had his way a couple of times throughout the game against this bunch—but he was largely quiet, and it almost helped the Panthers upset the defending Super Bowl champions.

Coaching has played a significant role in Carolina’s improved offensive line play as well. Run game coordinator Harold Goodwin, offensive line coach Joe Gilbert and assistant offensive line coach Keli’i Kekuewa have been behind the unit’s growth and development.

For example—Corbett, who was playing high-level football at the center position, tore his triceps in Week 5. He’d be replaced by Brady Christensen, who filled in seamlessly for three starts.

Then Christensen, who had to fill in for an injured Ekwonu on the blindside, would be replaced at center by Cade Mays. And Mays, highlighted by his 85.5 pass-blocking grade against Kansas City, has also proven to be a reliable presence in the middle over his three starts.

The successful plug-and-play approach is a sign that this staff is adamant about putting their players in the best position to win. Combine that with a general manager willing to spend a lot of money to improve a specific unit, and there is something to really look forward to and anticipate in the future.

Morgan still has plenty to prove as a general manager, but his 2024 offseason could be a baseline for what he needs to do to give fans some more excitement in the coming seasons.

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Panthers Week 12 injury report: WR Adam Thielen expected to play vs. Chiefs

Panthers WR Adam Thielen is expected to make his return in Week 12.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young should have his safety net back here in Week 12.

According to head coach Dave Canales, wide receiver Adam Thielen (questionable) is expected to play in this Sunday’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 11th-year veteran, who has missed the last seven games due to a hamstring injury, led the team in receptions (103) and receiving yards (1,014) in 2023.

Canales and crew are also expecting rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (questionable) to make his NFL debut in the contest. Brooks, Carolina’s second-round selection from the 2024 draft, tore his ACL last November.

Kicker Eddy Piñeiro (questionable), per Canales, will suit up as well. Canales told reporters that Piñeiro tweaked his knee while celebrating his walk-off kick against the New York Giants in Week 10.

Here’s the week’s final injury report in its entirety:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
RB Miles Sanders Ankle DNP DNP DNP Out
G Damien Lewis Illness DNP Limited Full –
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP Full Full –
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Knee DNP Limited Full Questionable
OLB Amaré Barno Knee Limited DNP Limited Doubtful
LT Ikem Ekwonu Ankle Limited Limited Full –
CB Jaycee Horn Calf Limited Limited Limited –
DL LaBryan Ray Hand Limited Full Full Questionable
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring Limited Limited Limited Questionable
S Xavier Woods Shoulder Limited Limited Full –
OLB DJ Johnson Concussion Full Limited Full Questionable
RB Jonathon Brooks Knee Full Full Full Questionable
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP Full –
OLB D.J. Wonnum Quadriceps Limited Full Questionable
K Eddy Piñeiro Left knee Limited DNP Questionable
WR Jalen Coker Quadriceps DNP Questionable

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Panthers WR Adam Thielen limited in practice on Thursday

The Panthers, for the second straight day, listed WR Adam Thielen as a limited participant in practice.

Carolina Panthers wideout Adam Thielen was a limited participant for the second straight day of practice.

The 11th-year receiver, who has missed the last seven games due to a hamstring injury, is expected to make his return on Sunday—when the Panthers host the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Thielen was officially activated to the 53-man roster ahead of the team’s Week 10 win over the New York Giants.

Carolina also added a trio of players to the listing this afternoon—starting right tackle Taylor Moton (rest), outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum (quadriceps) and kicker Eddy Piñeiro (left knee). Moton was held out while Wonnum and Piñeiro were limited.

Here’s the full injury report from Thursday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
RB Miles Sanders Ankle DNP DNP
G Damien Lewis Illness DNP Limited
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP Full
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Knee DNP Limited
OLB Amaré Barno Knee Limited DNP
LT Ikem Ekwonu Ankle Limited Limited
CB Jaycee Horn Calf Limited Limited
DL LaBryan Ray Hand Limited Full
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring Limited Limited
S Xavier Woods Shoulder Limited Limited
OLB DJ Johnson Concussion Full Limited
RB Jonathon Brooks Knee Full Full
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP
OLB D.J. Wonnum Quadriceps Limited
K Eddy Piñeiro Left knee Limited

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Panthers hold out 3 starters from practice on Wednesday

The Panthers were without a few key starters at practice on Wednesday.

The Carolina Panthers had a few key big men take a day off.

Wednesday’s practice, the team’s second ahead of their Week 12 matchup against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, did not feature left guard Damien Lewis (illness), defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson (rest) and outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (knee). Head coach Dave Canales did, however, tell reporters that all three are expected to practice on Thursday.

Running back Miles Sanders was also a non-participant for this afternoon’s session. He exited the Week 10 win over the New York Giants with an ankle injury.

Here’s the full injury report on the day:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
RB Miles Sanders Ankle DNP
G Damien Lewis Illness DNP
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Knee DNP
OLB Amaré Barno Knee Limited
LT Ikem Ekwonu Ankle Limited
CB Jaycee Horn Calf Limited
DL LaBryan Ray Hand Limited
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring Limited
S Xavier Woods Shoulder Limited
OLB DJ Johnson Concussion Full
RB Jonathon Brooks Knee Full

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Panthers Week 5 injury report: 3 players ruled out vs. Bears

The Panthers have ruled out three players ahead of Sunday’s visit to Chicago.

As expected, the Carolina Panthers have ruled out starting middle linebackers Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell from their Week 5 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Thompson will miss the remainder of the campaign with a torn Achilles tendon while Jewell has been sidelined with hamstring and groin injuries.

2024 third-round pick and rookie ‘backer Trevin Wallace is in line to get his first career start in the middle of Carolina’s defense. Veterans Claudin Cherelus and Chandler Wooten, who was promoted to the active roster on Tuesday, should also help fill in for Thompson and Jewell.

In addition, head coach Dave Canales told reporters following today’s practice that all players who have been listed as questionable are likely to play.

Here’s the full injury report from Friday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring/groin DNP DNP DNP Out
LB Shaq Thompson Achilles DNP DNP DNP Out
WR Diontae Johnson Ankle DNP Limited Limited –
OLB Charles Harris Shoulder Limited Limited Full Questionable
G Robert Hunt Hip Limited Limited Limited Questionable
G Damien Lewis Elbow Limited Limited Full –
S Nick Scott Shoulder Limited Limited Limited –
DL Shy Tuttle Foot Limited Limited Limited Questionable
S Nick Scott Quadriceps Limited Limited Limited –
CB Lonnie Johnson Hip Full Limited Limited –
C Andrew Raym Concussion Limited DNP DNP Out
TE Ian Thomas Calf Limited Limited Limited Questionable
CB Dane Jackson Hamstring Limited Limited Limited Questionable
RB Miles Sanders Illness DNP Full –
WR Jalen Coker Foot DNP Full Questionable
TE Tommy Tremble Knee DNP Limited –
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP Full –

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Panthers add 4 players to Week 5 injury report on Thursday

The injury report got a bit crowded for the Panthers this afternoon.

The Carolina Panthers’ injury report got a little more crowded on Thursday.

Four new players have been added to the Week 5 listing, all of whom did not participate in this afternoon’s practice. Those Panthers include running back Miles Sanders (illness), rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker (foot), tight end Tommy Tremble (knee) and starting right tackle Taylor Moton (rest).

In a bit of positive news, leading pass catcher Diontae Johnson returned to practice after missing Wednesday’s outing. He was a limited participant.

Here’s Thursday’s injury report in full:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring/groin DNP DNP
LB Shaq Thompson Achilles DNP DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP Full
WR Diontae Johnson Ankle DNP Limited
CB Troy Hill Rest DNP Full
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP Full
OLB Charles Harris Shoulder Limited Limited
G Robert Hunt Hip Limited Limited
G Damien Lewis Elbow Limited Limited
S Nick Scott Shoulder Limited Limited
DL Shy Tuttle Foot Limited Limited
S Nick Scott Quadriceps Limited Limited
CB Lonnie Johnson Hip Full Limited
C Andrew Raym Concussion Limited DNP
TE Ian Thomas Calf Limited Limited
CB Dane Jackson Hamstring Limited Limited
RB Miles Sanders Illness DNP
WR Jalen Coker Foot DNP
TE Tommy Tremble Knee DNP
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP

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Panthers WR Diontae Johnson misses Wednesday’s practice with new injury

LG Damien Lewis and NT Shy Tuttle returned to practice for the Panthers. But WR Diontae Johnson was out with an ankle injury.

The Carolina Panthers welcomed a handful of players back to the practice field to kick off Week 5.

Among those in session on Wednesday included starting left guard Damien Lewis and starting nose tackle Shy Tuttle, both of whom sat out from this past Sunday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Lewis missed his first game of the season with his UCL tear while Tuttle missed his second due to a foot issue.

Joining the two were tight end Ian Thomas and cornerback Dane Jackson. Thomas and Jackson were officially designated to return to practice from injured reserve this morning and will have 21 days to be activated to the main roster.

There was, however, some discouraging news—as wide receiver Diontae Johnson was sidelined due to an ankle injury. Johnson, the team’s leading pass catcher, was dealing with a groin strain last week.

Here’s Wednesday’s full injury report:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring/groin DNP
LB Shaq Thompson Achilles DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP
WR Diontae Johnson Ankle DNP
CB Troy Hill Rest DNP
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP
OLB Charles Harris Shoulder Limited
G Robert Hunt Hip Limited
G Damien Lewis Elbow Limited
S Nick Scott Shoulder Limited
DL Shy Tuttle Foot Limited
S Nick Scott Quadriceps Limited
CB Lonnie Johnson Hip Full
C Andrew Raym Head Limited

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Biggest storylines for Panthers vs. Bengals in Week 4

Panthers QB Andy Dalton will have the chance to scratch his former team quite deeply on Sunday.

Bank of America Stadium will play host to a rather intriguing cat fight on Sunday.

The 0-3 Cincinnati Bengals, an AFC favorite just a few short weeks ago, are attempting to save their season while the 1-2 Carolina Panthers, who faced very little expectations, have seemingly just revived theirs.

So as the claws get closer to coming out, let’s look at the biggest storylines heading into this Week 4 matchup . . .

Cool Cat

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Carolina’s aforementioned revival was sparked by quarterback Andy Dalton, who made his first start since replacing 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. The 14th-year veteran kickstarted the offense in a cool and collected performance—as he completed 26 of his 37 throws for 319 yards, three touchdowns and no turnovers.

Dalton’s veteran presence brought some much-needed stability under center, where the 23-year-old Young faltered to begin his sophomore campaign. The Panthers, for the first time since 2022, hit the 400-yard mark while successfully converting five third-down tries—three more than the unit amassed in Young’s two starts combined.

Will Dalton be able to keep the offense and the good vibes going?

Oh! And you may have heard this a time or two over the past few days, but Dalton kinda sorta played for the Bengals earlier in his NFL career. So, yeah, that seems somewhat pertinent as well.

Scratched

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Much of Dalton’s success min Week 3 can be attributed to his offensive line, which has been one of the league’s most reliable in pass protection thus far. (Didn’t think you’d be reading that about a Carolina Panthers offensive line, did you?)

The group, however, will be without starting left guard Damien Lewis—who will sit out due to his UCL tear. Lewis, like his fellow hog mollies, has shined to start the season—as his 80.9 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus ranks sixth amongst all guards.

There’s also a chance that Carolina may not have starting right guard Robert Hunt either. Hunt did not finish practice on Friday due to a hip injury and is listed as questionable.

Second-year lineman and 2024 fourth-round pick Chandler Zavala, like he did for 22 snaps in the Week 3 win, will take over for Lewis. And if Hunt cannot go, the versatile Brady Christensen would be in his stead.

With the offense getting on track behind Dalton and looking to further establish the run behind a hot Chuba Hubbard, Zavala (and perhaps Christensen) must step up to keep the machine moving.

Here, Kitty, Kitty

Cara Owsley/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

If you were told prior to the season that one of these two teams would be winless heading into their Week 4 matchup, we’re willing to bet that you didn’t think it’d be the Bengals.

Well, it is indeed the Bengals—and they’re one loss away from essentially ending their season. There’s only one team in NFL history (the 1992 San Diego Chargers) that made the postseason after starting 0-4, so the situation is extremely dire.

Unbelievably enough, the Panthers have a chance to bury these cats in their backyard on Sunday.

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Panthers Week 4 injury report: Starting LG Damien Lewis out vs. Bengals

As expected, Panthers G Damien Lewis will not suit up for Sunday’s clash with the Bengals.

Carolina Panthers starting left guard Damien Lewis may have to save his big boy pants for next week.

As expected, the fifth-year hog molly will not suit up for Sunday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Lewis, who tore his UCL in the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, did not participate in any of the team’s practices this week.

Second-year lineman and 2023 fourth-round pick Chandler Zavala is set to get the nod in place of Lewis.

In an unexpected hiccup, however, fellow starting guard Robert Hunt was limited in today’s practice with a hip injury. He is considered questionable and would, per head coach Dave Canales, give way to Brady Christensen if he cannot go.

In addition, wide receiver Diontae Johnson is on track to play after missing Thursday’s practice. Johnson, who dealt with a groin strain during the summer, sat out of the rainy session as a precautionary measure.

Here’s Friday’s injury report in its entirety:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP Full Full –
DL A’Shawn Robinson Knee DNP Limited Limited Questionable
CB Lonnie Johnson Hip DNP DNP DNP Out
G Damien Lewis Elbow DNP DNP DNP Out
DL Shy Tuttle Foot DNP DNP DNP Out
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest Limited Full Full –
S Nick Scott Quadriceps Limited Limited Limited –
QB Andy Dalton Ankle Full Full Full –
WR Diontae Johnson Groin DNP Limited Questionable
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP Full –
G Robert Hunt Hip Limited Questionable

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