Tag: DJ Johnson

Panthers Week 9 injury report: LT Ikem Ekwonu, 2 others out vs. Saints

Panthers QB Bryce Young won’t have his starting LT on his blindside in Week 9.

The Carolina Panthers and quarterback Bryce Young will be without their starting left tackle on Sunday.

Third-year offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu has been ruled out of the team’s Week 9 contest against the New Orleans Saints. Ekwonu was a non-participant in practice throughout the entire week due to an ankle injury.

Head coach Dave Canales told reporters that Brady Christensen will get the start at left tackle in place of Ekwonu. Cade Mays will, in turn, take over at center for Christensen.

Carolina has also ruled out tight end Feleipe Franks (concussion) and safety Jammie Robinson (knee).

Here’s the full injury report heading into the weekend:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP Full – –
LT Ikem Ekwonu Ankle DNP DNP DNP Out
TE Feleipe Franks Concussion DNP DNP DNP Out
ILB Josey Jewell Rest DNP Full – –
OLB DJ Johnson Ankle DNP Limited Limited Questionable
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP Full – –
S Jammie Robinson Knee DNP DNP DNP Out
TE Tommy Tremble Back DNP Limited Full Questionable
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring Limited Limited DNP Doubtful
RB Jonathon Brooks Knee Full Full Full Questionable
DL Jaden Crumedy Ankle Full Full Full Doubtful
QB Andy Dalton Right thumb Full Full Full –
S Jordan Fuller Hamstring Full Full Full Doubtful
OT Yosh Nijman Knee Full Full Full –
OLB D.J. Wonnum Quadriceps Full Full Full Questionable
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP Full –
WR Xavier Legette Toe Limited Limited Questionable

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Panthers WR Xavier Legette pops up on Thursday’s injury report

Panthers WR Xavier Legette was added to the Week 9 injury report on Thursday.

Carolina Panthers wideout Xavier Legette may want to take it easy on ol’ Dolla Bill for the rest of the week.

The rookie receiver was added to the team’s Week 9 injury report with a toe issue. Legette, who scored his third NFL touchdown in this past Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos, has been listed as a limited participant for Thursday’s practice session.

Fellow rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) remains on the report, but was down as a full participant for the second straight session. Outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum (quad) was also a full participant once again.

In a bit of potentially concerning news, left tackle Ikem Ekwonu missed another outing due to an ankle injury.

Here’s the entire report from Thursday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP Full
LT Ikem Ekwonu Ankle DNP DNP
TE Feleipe Franks Concussion DNP DNP
ILB Josey Jewell Rest DNP Full
OLB DJ Johnson Ankle DNP Limited
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP Full
S Jammie Robinson Knee DNP DNP
TE Tommy Tremble Back DNP Limited
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring Limited Limited
RB Jonathon Brooks Knee Full Full
DL Jaden Crumedy Ankle Full Full
QB Andy Dalton Right thumb Full Full
S Jordan Fuller Hamstring Full Full
OT Yosh Nijman Knee Full Full
OLB D.J. Wonnum Quadriceps Full Full
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP
WR Xavier Legette Toe Limited

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Panthers list RB Jonathon Brooks as full participant for Wednesday’s practice

Panthers rookie RB Jonathon Brooks is getting closer to his NFL debut.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton won’t be getting the start in Week 9, but he’s closer to getting back to full health.

The veteran passer, who missed this past Sunday’s 28-14 loss to the Denver Broncos due to a sprained right thumb, was listed as a full participant for today’s practice. He will, however, give way once again to Bryce Young—who was announced as the Week 9 starter by head coach Dave Canales.

Canales had this to say about Dalton’s status:

“Andy is progressing. He was out there throwing. And I just really looked at all the things and for me, I just erred on the side of caution and wanted get Andy in the best possible situation to be able to make a decision going forward.”

Joining Dalton as a full participant was rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee), who has yet to make his NFL debut. The Panthers now have one week to activate Brooks to the main roster.

Canales did not rule out Brooks from suiting up for Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

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

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP
LT Ikem Ekwonu Ankle DNP
TE Feleipe Franks Concussion DNP
ILB Josey Jewell Rest DNP
OLB DJ Johnson Ankle DNP
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP
S Jammie Robinson Knee DNP
TE Tommy Tremble Back DNP
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring Limited
RB Jonathon Brooks Knee Full
DL Jaden Crumedy Ankle Full
QB Andy Dalton Right thumb Full
S Jordan Fuller Hamstring Full
OT Yosh Nijman Knee Full
OLB D.J. Wonnum Quadriceps Full

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Key matchups for Panthers vs. Saints in Week 1

Saints DE Carl Granderson ripped through the Panthers for 10 pressures, 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble in 2023. LT Ikem Ekwonu must keep him at bay in Week 1.

The Carolina Panthers will have to claim a few battles to win the war against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Here are four key matchups for this weekend’s regular-season opener between the NFC South rivals:

WR Diontae Johnson vs. CB Marshon Lattimore

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Quarterback Bryce Young and the Panthers have a few new toys on offense, including Johnson. The former Pro Bowler, who is one of the best pure separators in football, will serve as the unit’s go-to target and give Young an element of openness he didn’t always have last season.

When it comes to New Orleans, go-to targets go through Lattimore—who was not in uniform the only time Johnson has faced the Saints. That contest came in 2022, when Johnson went for 63 yards on four receptions against Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor—the other two featured corners who are still in the secondary.

LT Ikem Ekwonu vs. DE Carl Granderson

Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

For Young to find Johnson and the rest of his pass catchers, he’ll have to avoid Granderson—who was an absolute menace against Carolina in 2023. The 27-year-old accounted for 10 pressures, 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble between their two meetings.

Much of that pressure was charged to Ekwonu. The former sixth overall pick can begin to put a mediocre second campaign behind him with a little redemption at the start of his third.

Panthers OLBs vs. Saints OTs

Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina’s defense is headed into Week 1 with very few, if any answers to their pass-rushing problems. Other than 11th-year veteran Jadeveon Clowney, the Panthers are carrying only three (very inexperienced) outside linebackers on the active roster—DJ Johnson, Eku Leota and Jamie Sheriff.

Luckily for them, the Saints have a little inexperience of their own on the blindside with rookie and 2024 first-round pick Taliese Fuaga. They’ll also be rolling out starting right tackle Trevor Penning, who has had a very rough go in the NFL over his brief two-year career.

Something may (or may not) have to give here.

CB Mike Jackson vs. WR A.T. Perry

Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

In addition to the second edge spot, the Panthers will have to figure out who will step up as the No. 2 cornerback next to Jaycee Horn. Mike Jackson, who was acquired in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks on Aug. 22, will seemingly get the first crack at the job.

He has to make sure Perry, an ascending young talent for New Orleans, doesn’t make himself a smooth criminal on Sunday.

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Biggest storylines for Panthers vs. Saints in Week 1

The Panthers are set to relaunch QB Bryce Young on Sunday. And this time, it’ll be with HC Dave Canales behind him.

Whether you consider it a rebuild or a retool, the return of Carolina Panthers football comes this Sunday. So, what should we keep in mind as the organization begins anew once again?

Here are the top storylines for Sunday’s regular-season opener against the New Orleans Saints:

The relaunch of Bryce Young

Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images

Carolina has put all of their chips on No. 9. And when we say “all of their chips,” that includes star wideout DJ Moore and four high-end draft picks—one of which eventually became 2024’s No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.

But the initial return on 2023’s No. 1 overall pick was not great . . . at all. Bryce Young passed for just 179.8 yards per game and 11 touchdowns while leading not only the worst offense in the league, but also one of the most futile in the history of the franchise.

The organization placed another big chip on Young this offseason, hiring first-year head coach Dave Canales—who helped spark career campaigns for Seattle’s Geno Smith and Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield over the last two years. Thus far, the relationship between Young and Canales seems to be going swimmingly, with the former receiving rave reviews throughout the offseason.

Will that success, however, translate when the real action starts on Sunday?

Let the rooks cook?

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Simply hiring a quarterback whisperer wouldn’t be enough. After bringing in Canales and spending a boatload on a pair of new starting guards, the Panthers put down more chips on Young by selecting receiver Xavier Legette and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders in this year’s draft.

Legette, the team’s first-round pick, may be moved along slowly and surely. With Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo above him in the pecking order as of now, the somewhat raw 23-year-old is likely to have a relatively quiet debut.

Sanders, on the other hand, may be stepping right into the fire. Starters Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas have been ruled out for the contest, potentially giving the fourth-rounder a featured role in his very first regular-season game.

On edge

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Despite holding their opponents to the fourth-fewest yards per game last season, the Panthers defense was the absolute worst in the NFL at getting to the quarterback. And when you saddle their league-low 27 sacks with the losses of Brian Burns, Frankie Luvu and Yetur Gross-Matos—their three leading producers in that stat from 2023—that’s probably a recipe for disaster.

That concern has been amplified by what they have (or haven’t) replenished their pass-rushing department with this offseason. Three-time Pro Bowler and former No. 1 overall selection Jadeveon Clowney will serve as one of the two outside linebackers—and that’s okay. But with their other big free-agent signing at the position, D.J. Wonnum, starting the season on the physically unable to perform list, Carolina is exceptionally thin off the edge.

Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero will be going into Sunday with just three outside ‘backers on the active roster other than Clowney—DJ Johnson, Eku Leota and rookie Jamie Sheriff. They have combined for a grand total of zero sacks in the NFL.

So, where will Evero and the Panthers get their pass rush from?

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Panthers HC Dave Canales explains release of OLB K’Lavon Chaisson

The Panthers are going trial by fire at the OLB position.

The Carolina Panthers are going trial by fire off the edge.

On Tuesday, the team released their first unofficial depth chart of the 2024 regular season. One of the most anticipated reveals came at the second starting outside linebacker position, where 2023 third-round pick DJ Johnson was listed.

Head coach Dave Canales was asked about Johnson’s standing across from fellow starter Jadeveon Clowney after Wednesday’s practice.

“Yeah, great starting point. He’s played a lot of football for us,” he said of the 25-year-old. “Right now, still, we’re looking for somebody to step up and take that job. So this is not something where it’s just like, ‘Hey, you’re the starter, here we go.’ This is like, ‘Show us. Show us what you’re about.’

“And again, this talks to the competitive nature of our team and the culture we wanna build in this building. We got a bunch of players with ability, and we wanna see who’s gonna step up and take that role. So you’re gonna see a rotation as we go with that whole group.”

That group won’t include former Jacksonville Jaguars first-round pick K’Lavon Chaisson, who was released by the Panthers yesterday. Canales was also asked about that move.

“I thought he had a really good role that he was starting to develop for himself—in terms of special teams,” he replied. “And we were looking for somebody to be a dynamic game-changer as far as the pass rush. And we added some people to our roster and to our practice squad that we’d love to take a look at to see if they can give us that spark we’re looking for.”

Behind Clowney and Johnson sit second-year defender Eku Leota and Jamie Sheriff, who was claimed off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks last week. The practice squad currently features three outside linebackers—Kenny Dyson, Thomas Incoom and Tarron Jackson.

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Biggest takeaways from the Panthers’ 1st unofficial depth chart of the 2024 regular season

The Panthers answered a few lingering questions with the release of their first “unofficial” depth chart of the regular season.

Now that the Carolina Panthers have officially rolled out their first unofficial depth chart of the 2024 regular season, let’s do a little dissection.

Here are the four biggest takeaways from Tuesday’s release . . .

Ja’Tavion Sanders may be starting in his NFL debut

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Week 1 outlook on both Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas, who continue to nurse their respective soft-tissue injuries, remained a bit bleak entering the week. Then, it got even bleaker on Tuesday—when multiple reports from this afternoon revealed that the team is set to sign rookie tight end Messiah Swinson off the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad.

Carolina’s addition of Swinson, now the fifth tight end on their 53-man roster, likely indicates that at least one of Tremble or Thomas will not be ready to suit up on Sunday. That would leave an opportunity to start for Sanders, who is listed as the next man up.

And Sanders, along with his newly-minted No. 0 uniform, could take advantage of said opportunity following an eye-opening summer.

Brady Christensen, backup center

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Panthers haven’t made life easy for Big Brady, ever since they drafted him back in 2021. A standout left tackle during his collegiate career at Brigham Young University, Christensen has been moved around quite a bit—as he’s picked up snaps at every single position on the offensive line . . . except for center. Heck, he didn’t play there during the preseason.

Nonetheless, Christensen comes in as the No. 2 behind starter Austin Corbett—who is in his first season at the spot. Rookie Andrew Raym, the only true center on the roster, is listed as the No. 3.

So, head coach Dave Canales may have found that role for Christensen.

The No. 2 OLB

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Former No. 1 overall pick and three-time Pro Bowler Jadeveon Clowney finally has his pass-rushing partner.

Perhaps the most concerning question mark on the roster, the second starting outside linebacker role is being filled by second-year defender DJ Johnson. The 2023 third-rounder disappointed as a rookie, recording as many sacks as your grandmother did this past season.

After today’s release of former first-rounder K’Lavon Chaisson, Clowney and Johnson are backed by Eku Leota and Jamie Sheriff—who was claimed off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks last week.

Return man

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette did a fine job on punt duties for Carolina in 2023, leading the entire league in returns and even sprinkling in a 79-yard touchdown against the Chicago Bears in Week 10. But he’s gone now.

That’s left the vacancy to running back Raheem Blackshear, who is also listed as the primary kick returner. He’s flanked by veteran wideout David Moore.

Blackshear has six career punt returns, all of which came for the Panthers in 2022.

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Panthers HC Dave Canales asked about OLB, CB, punt returner jobs

Panthers HC Dave Canales offered some insight into a few of the team’s biggest question marks.

Amazingly enough, the Carolina Panthers’ big roster cutdown did not give us clearer answers on a number of question marks throughout the starting unit. In fact, Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s moves may have even clouded the situation for those on the outside looking in.

But head coach Dave Canales seems to have a decent outlook.

Canales spoke with reporters following this afternoon’s practice, and was asked if the newly-acquired Michael (or Mike) Jackson is the favorite to start alongside Jaycee Horn at the cornerback position.

“It looks like that right now. But again, adding these guys—kinda hopeful to see what they can bring to us and see how quickly they can assimilate into our system,” Canales said of the team’s latest additions.

“Michael has experience in this scheme the last couple of years in Seattle. So, he’s fully aware of what’s expected of him from a scheme standpoint, and he’s the right style of player. He’s exactly what we look for. He shows up tough and physical at the ball, he’s got speed, he’s got size, all those things. Just an accountable guy.”

The Panthers traded for Jackson in exchange for 2024 seventh-round pick and linebacker Michael Barrett last Thursday. They also placed waiver claims on three cornerbacks earlier this afternoon—Keenan Isaac, Shemar Bartholomew and Tariq Castro-Fields.

Canales was later asked about the other starting position in question on the defense—the No. 2 job off the edge next to Jadeveon Clowney.

“Yeah, up for grabs still,” he stated. “This is a group of guys that’s worked really hard through camp and just gonna continue to see what DJ [Johnson], Eku [Leota], K’Lavon [Chaisson] can bring to us.”

Clowney, Johnson, Leota and Chaisson were the only four outside linebackers announced to the team’s initial 53-man roster. Carolina has since looked to add a few more at the spot—including former Seahawk Jamie Sheriff.

And next, the punt returner duties—left vacant by today’s release of wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

“Raheem Blackshear, he’s a fantastic returner. He can do both,” Canales later said. “David Moore can also do both. Mike Boone has been a returner in his past. So those are some of the guys that we’re really counting on.”

With the first game of the regular season set for Sunday, Sept. 8, Canales and the Panthers will have about a week to find their answers.

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Initial 53-man roster projection for the 2024 Panthers

Here is our final projection for the Panthers’ initial 2024 53-man roster:

Now that the preseason is officially in the books, the Carolina Panthers have another task to tackle—the big cutdown.

Between now and 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the Panthers and the rest of the NFL’s 31 teams must get down to their initial 53-player rosters.

Here is our final projection for Carolina’s initial 53:

Quarterbacks (2)

In: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton
Out: Jack Plummer

Plummer impressed in the summer finale, completing 21 of his 29 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. But that still won’t be enough to devote a third spot on the roster to a quarterback.

Running backs (4)

In: Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear, Mike Boone
Out: Jaden Shirden
Reserve/NFI list: Jonathon Brooks

Boone has benefitted from the inactivity of both Blackshear and Brooks, who isn’t expected back for at least a handful of weeks into the regular season. And luckily for the former, his successful track record as a kick returner keeps him around.

Wide receivers (6)

In: Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, David Moore
Out: Terrace Marshall Jr., Michael Strachan, Jalen Coker, Sam Pinckney

The sixth and final spot came down to Marshall Jr. and Moore. Moore’s experience on special teams and his previous history with head coach Dave Canales in both Seattle and Tampa Bay give him the edge.

Tight ends (4)

In: Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Jordan Matthews
Out: Feleipe Franks, Jacob Hollister, Jesper Horsted

Matthews earned his spot with a spectacular summer. The 32-year-old opened the preseason with a team-high 48 receiving yards in New England and ended it with a touchdown to kick off the last outing in Buffalo.

Offensive linemen (9)

In: Ikem Ekwonu, Damien Lewis, Austin Corbett, Robert Hunt, Taylor Moton, Brady Christensen, Yosh Nijman, Cade Mays, Chandler Zavala
Out: Ricky Lee, Jeremiah Crawford, Mason Brooks, Andrew Raym, Jack Anderson, Ike Boettger, Tyler Smith

Given that he’s the only true center on the roster, Raym has a shot to stick on. But the versatility of backups such as Nijman, Christensen and Mays allows the Panthers to keep the number of hog mollies at nine.

Defensive linemen (5)

In: Derrick Brown, A’Shawn Robinson, Shy Tuttle, Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray
Out: Jaden Crumedy, T.J. Smith, Ulomoo Ale, Jayden Peevy, Walter Palmore, Junior Aho

Crumedy, the team’s sixth-round selection from this spring, could be in trouble while dealing a high-ankle sprain. So could Smith, who’d be a favorite to sneak back on as a practice squad member after recording a pair of sacks this preseason.

Outside linebackers (5)

In: Jadeveon Clowney, K’Lavon Chaisson, DJ Johnson, Eku Leota, Luiji Vilain
Out: Cam Gill, Derrick McLendon, Kenny Dyson
Reserve/Physically unable to perform list: D.J. Wonnum, Amaré Barno

Vilain and Gill could be battling for the fifth locker. But if it actually doesn’t go to either, look for the Panthers to pick up a pass rusher off the street.

Inside linebackers (4)

In: Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, Trevin Wallace, Claudin Cherelus
Out: Chandler Wooten, Tae Davis, Aaron Beasley

Canales does not take special teams prowess for granted. Cherelus and Wooten could claim spots with theirs.

Cornerbacks (6)

In: Jaycee Horn, Michael Jackson, Troy Hill, Chau Smith-Wade, Dicaprio Bootle, D’Shawn Jamison
Out: Willie Drew, Chris Wilcox, Quandre Mosely
Injured: Dane Jackson

The “significant” hamstring injury to Jackson (Dane, that is) could force the Panthers to keep a few outside options—including both Bootle and Jamison.

Safeties (5)

In: Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Jammie Robinson, Alex Cook
Out: Demani Richardson, Rudy Ford
Injured: Sam Franklin Jr.

As Canales has stated, there’s no replacing Franklin Jr.—who will be out for quite a bit while healing up a broken foot. Cook, however, could give the Panthers a little bit back on special teams.

Specialists (3)

In: Eddy Piñeiro, Johnny Hekker, JJ Jansen

Well, nothing to see here.

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Reviewing film for the Panthers’ top performers from preseason game vs. Jets

Before we jump into the Panthers’ preseason finale on Saturday, let’s hit the film for some standouts from last week’s outing.

The Carolina Panthers fell short to the New York Jets in their second preseason game last Saturday—where the team’s starters were, once again, held out of action. So, this left even more meaningful playing time to those whose jobs aren’t exactly secure.

Unfortunately, some of the players who took advantage of their opportunities are no longer on the roster—most notably running back Dillon Johnson and cornerback Lamar Jackson. But after taking a deep dive into the All-22 film from the contest, we still have three standouts to highlight . . .

LG Jack Anderson

Anderson has already made quite a few stops since entering the league as a seventh-round pick in 2021. Carolina, who reeled in the Texas Tech product on Aug. 11 to counter the injuries along their offensive line, became his sixth.

I came away not only thoroughly impressed, but also surprised by how seamlessly he played against the Jets’ second-team defensive line—which featured a couple of players who could’ve been starters elsewhere.

Anderson did some good work on duo blocks, creating creases for Johnson and fellow running back Mike Boone. He displayed the mobility to work effortlessly to the second level, and impressed with his movement skills and flexibility—which allowed him to wash out looping pass rushers. 

The 6-foot-4, 313-pounder did a nice job of getting his pads low and winning with leverage. He was looking for extra defenders to block or help his fellow linemen with and put multiple defenders in the ground.

While he isn’t a lock for the Panthers’ initial 53-man roster, Anderson could make for a solid depth piece or practice squad player in another opportunity.

TE Ja’Tavion Sanders

Sanders, who has continued to grow into the chances he’s received due to injuries at his position, was one of a few rookie standouts on the night.

It wasn’t long ago that the former Texas Longhorn was the No. 3 tight end on the depth chart. With Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble banged up, that allowed the team’s fourth-round selection to get his time in the spotlight.

There was a concern that the rookie would need to allocate some time as a big slot as he developed his in-line skill set. Instead, Sanders seems quite comfortable as an in-line Y and blocker.

He’s displaying more effort and willingness to stay attached to blocks. This allowed for some decent yardage for Boone and wide receiver Jonathan Mingo at times. Early in the game—off a play-action bootleg—Sanders ran a flat route to the boundary, catching it in stride and lowering his shoulder to bulldoze a would-be tackler. 

With Thomas still dealing with an injury and Tremble having another potential hamstring issue after practice on Thursday, Sanders could be in line to have not only significant playing time in Week 1, but make his first career start in the NFL.

LB Trevin Wallace

A raw linebacker out of Kentucky, Wallace was arguably the most questionable selection by Carolina in the 2024 draft. And that rawness still shows, as he must continue to work on not overthinking each play and moving with the flow of the game.

But Wallace put on a show that made Panthers fans giddy for the future of the middle of their defense.

The former All-SEC defender displayed the sideline-to-sideline range and elite athletic ability that intrigued general manager Dan Morgan. Wallace brings a good amount of pop at the tackle point while flashing consistent technique as a tackler.

Remember how vicious Luke Kuechly’s tackles were? There were some shades of that, as Wallace sifted through traffic well while displaying good run fits and tackles in space.

Other standouts

  • Rookie cornerback Chau Smith-Wade was impressive with his reps at outside corner and at the nickel. He displayed good effort and willingness to come downhill in run support. There were also instances of him upending ball carriers. Don’t be surprised if he’s in line to start Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints at nickel.
  • Smith-Wade’s teammate, second-year defensive back Jammie Robinson, had an outstanding game against the Jets. He showed physicality in the run game, making physical tackles in the open field while being a great run support and defender in coverage. 
  • Outside linebacker D.J. Johnson and interior defensive lineman T.J. Smith were two performers that stood out to me as well, especially in the first half. I appreciated Johnson’s effort and ability to seal off the backside of inside or outside zone runs. The Panthers’ 2023 third-round selection made some good plays against the run. Smith continued his strong preseason with great effort and his second sack in as many weeks. He has become a top candidate for the practice squad heading into the final game of the preseason.

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