Tag: Ikem Ekwonu

Panthers All-22 film review: Appreciating the stars from Week 3’s upset win

Let’s take a closer look at some standout performances from the Panthers’ first win of the 2024 season:

It may have taken quite a while, but the Carolina Panthers finally put some pretty good tape together!

Let’s dive into some of the best All-22 looks from their 36-22 upset over the Las Vegas Raiders from Week 3 . . .

Andy Dalton’s resurgence?

Head coach Dave Canales made a significant decision to bench former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young at the start of Week 3. The move has given way to the 14th-year veteran in Dalton, who may now be in his final run as an NFL starter.

In his first start in almost a year, Dalton did something spectacular—as he became the very first quarterback in 2024 to throw for both 300 yards and three touchdowns in a single game. And what’s even more spectacular is that his performance may also lead to a resurgence for the Carolina offense, a unit that looked absolutely dead over their first two outings.

Dalton played at an elite level on Sunday. He did a great job of using his eyes to manipulate second- or third-level defenders, which resulted in some explosive plays.

The 36-year-old played like the savvy passer he is—with his composure in the pocket, his answers against pressure and his ability to deliver the rock quickly. Frankly, the Panthers offense pulled off a 180 compared to what they looked like under Young.

He was accurate with incredible ball placement, especially on his touchdown passes to wideouts Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson. Dalton did a splendid job with ball security, though he did have some misfires and a couple of near-interceptions. 

Going forward, Dalton’s ability to get the ball out on time will give his offense and playmakers a chance to make big gains in space.

WRs stand out

It seems rare, especially going back to last season, that a group of wide receivers made a significant impact on the offense in a positive way. That is what happened on this afternoon.

Johnson, who the Panthers traded for in the offseason, had a career day with eight catches for 122 yards and a touchdown. His high-level skills as a route runner were on display with ample separation—as he used subtle movements and head fakes to force defensive backs to bite and commit their hips in the opposite direction.

Thielen was a nice security blanket underneath and made a great catch in traffic for a touchdown. Unfortunately, he injured his hamstring on the play and was eventually placed on injured reserve. This’ll give some opportunities to rookie Xavier Legette and second-year wideout Jonathan Mingo.

Mingo received some touches and showed his run-after-catch skill set at times. Legette will see the field more over the next four weeks and should be able to offer his explosive play-making ability.

His second and third-level acceleration is something the Panthers have missed since DJ Moore was traded. Legette also showed gradual improvement in separation skills and as a route runner with improved landmarks and deliberation.

With Thielen out for at least four weeks, Legette or Mingo will start in his place. Undrafted free agent Jalen Coker is now on the active 53-man roster and could see some playing time as well.

Defense has a confidence-boosting game

The Carolina defense allowed 399 rushing yards in their first two games heading into Vegas. On Sunday, they allowed just 55 rushing yards to the Raiders—obviously, a significant difference.

But why did this number improve so drastically?

Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has been mixing and matching his defensive line and second level since the loss of Pro Bowler Derrick Brown. Against the Raiders, there was more discipline in gap assignments and run fits.

Defensive linemen such as Jayden Peevy, LaBryan Ray and Nick Thurman were able to fill gaps and seal off rushing lanes. Peevy had a couple of decent interior pressures where he was able to get a long-arm bull rush and one with a swipe/rip on outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney’s fourth-quarter sack.

Linebacker Josey Jewell, who was run over by the Los Angeles Chargers a week prior, had a rebound game—showing more physicality at the point of attack and his respective fits.

Rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace played his first defensive snaps of the season. He saw time at off-ball ‘backer in some base fronts, but was utilized on the edge where Evero could deploy his athleticism and explosiveness to his advantage in the run game.

Despite giving up a 54-yard reception in the first quarter, cornerback Mike Jackson has proved to be a gem. Jackson led the team in tackles with nine, exhibiting excellent play in run support and making quality open-field stops in space. He also, while chalking up an interception, played with discipline in footwork and coverage responsibilities altogether.

Carolina’s secondary has become a big strength of this roster, but they face a steep challenge against Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this Sunday. With starting safety Jordan Fuller lost to injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, my eyes will be locked in on backup Nick Scott—who Evero views as a starting safety for most teams in the league.

Extra notes

  • Running back Chuba Hubbard looks more elusive and creative as a runner. He’s especially more creative when attacking gaps and navigating congestion, and is always going forward when tackled. He is one of Carolina’s key pieces this season.
  • Rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders flashed as a blocker, showing a willingness to fit his hands and drive. He did whiff on a few blocks, plus a miscommunication play where he ran into right tackle Taylor Moton on a sack.

  • Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu was lights out in the run-blocking game. He did miss some blocks against overload pressures, but had a consistent game in true pass sets—offering overall clean footwork, active hands and accurate strikes while doing a much better job with mirroring inside counters than he did at any point last season.

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Best and worst PFF grades from Panthers’ Week 3 win over Raiders

Chuba Hubbard is now the owner of PFF’s highest single-game offensive grade for the Panthers here in 2024.

The Carolina Panthers finally put some pretty football on tape.

Here are the best (and worst) Pro Football Focus grades from Week 3’s 36-22 win over the Las Vegas Raiders:

Best of the offense

Louis Grasse/Getty Images

1. RB Chuba Hubbard: 90.6
2. QB Andy Dalton: 78.8
3. WR Diontae Johnson: 77.1
4. LT Ikem Ekwonu: 76.2
5. WR Adam Thielen: 70.4

For the first time since 2022, Carolina had a 300-yard passer (Dalton), a 100-yard rusher (Hubbard) and a 100-yard receiver (Johnson) in a single game. Hubbard’s 90.6 overall offensive grade is the highest for any Panther in 2024.

Ekwonu turned in his best outing of the campaign, earning season-highs in pass-blocking (72.6) and run-blocking (83.1) marks.

Worst of the offense

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

15. WR Xavier Legette: 54.6
16. RG Brady Christensen: 54.1
17. TE Tommy Tremble: 52.0
18. LG Chandler Zavala: 48.2
19. TE Ja’Tavion Sanders: 43.1

Zavala came in for 22 snaps following the elbow injury to starting left guard Damien Lewis. He did not allow a single pressure, but was hit with a 58.0 run-blocking grade.

Best of the defense

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

1. DT A’Shawn Robinson: 82.5
2. CB Troy Hill: 79.4
3. DT Jayden Peevy: 74.1
4. ILB Josey Jewell: 73.6
5. OLB Tarron Jackson: 69.6

Robinson picked up the slack in the absence of fellow starting defensive lineman Shy Tuttle, tallying five pressures and a stop. Peevy also stood tall, recording a pair of pressures and a pair of stops.

Worst of the defense

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

15. FS Xavier Woods: 51.0
16. ILB Trevin Wallace: 49.7
17. DT DeShawn Williams: 49.4
18. SS Nick Scott: 48.4
19. SS Jammie Robinson: 41.2

Wallace was charged with wideout Jakobi Meyers’ 13-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.

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Panthers All-22 film review: Taking a peek at new starting QB Andy Dalton before Week 3

What should we expect to see from new Panthers starting QB Andy Dalton on Sunday? Let’s take a dive into his lone outing of the 2023 season:

It’s been a fascinating past few days for the Carolina Panthers, hasn’t it?

After another blowout loss to start the 2024 season, head coach Dave Canales has made the potentially franchise-altering decision to sit quarterback Bryce Young. In place of the struggling second-year passer will be 14th-year veteran Andy Dalton, who is set to start this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

So, what are we in for with the “Red Rifle” back under center?

Let’s take some looks into the All-22 film from Dalton’s lone start in 2023, when he replaced an injured Young for Carolina’s Week 3 trip to see the Seattle Seahawks . . .

Out-of-structure ability and composure under pressure

I’ve highlighted five throws from Dalton’s performance to break down— starting with two impressive off-platform, out-of-structure throws.

The former three-time Pro Bowler is not necessarily known to be a twitchy, quick pocket maneuver like Young. But he can make some throws on the move when he has to.

Take that first play for example. This is a third-and-intermediate situation early in the first quarter.

Seattle is playing Cover 3 with a tilted two-high look to semi-disguise the coverage. Dalton is provided a clean pocket—but, as the story of the 2023 Panthers offense went, no one is open. 

This forces Dalton to create out of structure, allowing wide receiver Adam Thielen to scramble free. Dalton makes an impressive side-arm throw moving to his left while getting blasted by a Seahawks defender.

The play results in a first down and a gain of 23 yards.

Fast-forward to late in the second quarter. There is less than a minute left in the half as Seattle plays quarters with the outside cornerbacks and two high safeties playing their respective fourths of the field.

Then-head coach Frank Reich, also the play-caller at the time, dials up all-curls out of doubles with the running back swinging the flat. Dalton pulls the ball down momentarily, when the WILL linebacker closes off the outside curl on the front side.

Dalton scrambles, forcing the nickel to move his hips toward the line of scrimmage and allowing him to get the ball to Thielen once again.

Eye manipulation and poise

This is one of the best throws you’ll see from any quarterback, and an example of Dalton’s experience and trust with his playmakers.

Moving on into the third quarter, Carolina calls Y-dig with vertical routes against Seattle’s Cover 1 hole call where the MIKE linebacker is expected to drop into the hook/high hole. Dalton identifies a potentially favorable matchup with wideout D.J. Chark, one-on-one with current Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson.

Dalton is going to use his eyes to hold the single-high safety. Then, as soon as he hitches, drops a back-shoulder dime in tight coverage to Chark.

In this second-and-long situation, the Seahawks are once again playing in a Cover 3 look as Carolina emerges from empty 11 personnel.

This play is where I appreciate Dalton’s veteran savviness as a quarterback. Watch the curl-flat nickel and linebacker Bobby Wagner; Dalton’s initial hitch and eyes go to Thielen again before taking another hitch in his drop.

That frees tight end Tommy Tremble on the sluggo-seam—a well-placed ball to No. 82 by Dalton.

At this point in the game, the Panthers are down two possessions late in the fourth quarter with little chance to secure the victory. Even still, this is a great play to mention.

Carolina is shown here in the red zone versus Seattle’s go-to Cover 3 defense. Dalton does a great job of manipulating the single-high safety with his eyes to allow just enough room for him to layer this intermediate throw to Thielen for the touchdown.

Again, this is another example of Dalton’s experience helping elevate the offense in some capacity.

What to make of Andy Dalton moving forward

This particular game from Dalton showed me a couple of things. First, the veteran displayed answers against pressure—something that has yet to be shown from Young this season.

Second, Dalton has a good understanding of the offense, playbook and each player’s assignments on certain play calls. This allows him to stay composed in the pocket and climb when necessary. 

In all fairness, Dalton didn’t have a spectacular game. While he did complete 34 of 58 pass attempts for 361 yards and two touchdowns, a chunk of those attempts and yards came in the fourth quarter when Carolina was down by a decent margin.

Dalton did miss some throws, including having inconsistent ball placement. This is likely the quarterback Panthers fans will see on Sunday against the Raiders.

However, this is better than what we have seen from a regressed Young—who could still see playing time at some point this season.

What the Panthers and Coach Canales will be getting Sunday is an experienced quarterback who knows how to operate the offense around him and will deliver throws on time. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if Dalton produced much better numbers than what his now-backup had done in the two games prior.

Quick-hitting notes from Week 2

  • The offensive line is the best overall group for Carolina thus far. They gave up just two pressures to the Chargers pass rush that featured Pro Bowlers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu had one of his better starts with more consistency in his pass sets and overall technique. The interior offensive line continues to stand out, with Austin Corbett displaying a seamless transition to center.
  • With the amount of movement and push created at the line of scrimmage by this offensive line, running back Chuba Hubbard averaged over six yards per attempt. The fourth-year runner is the definition of patience and development. He’s shown notable improvements in his footwork, vision, balance and ball skills since his rookie year. The Panthers must commit to giving him 20 or more touches a game if they want to have any chance of competing for wins this season.
  • After fracturing his fibula last season, veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson has come back with his hair on fire. He tallied 14 tackles against the Chargers, putting in a great game versus the run and displaying explosiveness and physicality around the line of scrimmage. Thompson also brought pop and aggression when attacking downhill and wen playing from sideline to sideline. He will be a key piece to Carolina’s defense moving forward.
  • Outside linebacker Eku Leota was waived by the Panthers on Tuesday, which came as a surprise to some. Despite a solid first week where he tallied the lone sack for defense. he struggled mightily in all phases this past Sunday. He looked overwhelmed in run fits against tight ends, played out of position far too often and failed to seal the edge at times. There is a chance he will return to the practice squad should he clear waivers.

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4 things to know for Panthers vs. Chargers in Week 2

Here are four things to keep in mind for the Panthers’ 2024 home opener:

After beginning the 2024 season with an absolutely brutal loss to the New Orleans Saints, the Carolina Panthers will come back to Charlotte to try to bounce back against the Los Angeles Chargers.

But before we jump into the home opener, here are four things you need to know ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Bolts:

Historic dominance

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The Panthers head into their Week 2 tilt with quite the edge in their all-time series against the Chargers. Carolina currently holds a 6-1 record against Los Angeles, including wins in their last four meetings.

Oh, and the first of those four gave us one of the most thrilling moments in franchise history . . .

https://twitter.com/Panthers/status/1834368080861929964

While the two teams seem to be trending in opposite directions at the start of this season, perhaps history will continue to be on Carolina’s side. We’ll see if they can extend their winning ways against the Chargers or give up some slack on the all-time mark.

New identities

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Both the Panthers and the Chargers went into this past offseason looking to replace two horrendous coaching regimes. In Carolina, it was the short-lived Frank Reich era—which was a jumbled mess filled with regression and in-house drama. In Los Angeles, you had Brandon Staley—who failed to deliver during his three seasons in charge.

So, both teams took opposite approaches to their head-coaching searches. The Chargers looked to the experienced and established Jim Harbaugh to build a culture. The Panthers chose to go with a younger, fresh-faced first-year offensive coordinator to breathe life into their second-year quarterback.

Then, both coaches saw drastically different results in Week 1—with one pulling out a resilient win and the other a thorough and embarrassing loss. Canales now enters his matchup against Harbaugh in a must-look-competent situation after a 37-point loss.

(Big) Man down

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The massive cherry on top of Carolina’s disastrous Week 1 sundae was their loss of defensive lineman Derrick Brown—who will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn meniscus. Their defense already looked helpless with the Pro Bowler on field, allowing 180 rushing yards to the Saints—so it’s going to be tough for the team to field a respectable front for the rest of the way.

Harbaugh and the Chargers have made it clear that they want to run the ball as their primary method of attack. And given the breakout of J.K. Dobbins last week, it could be a long day for the Panthers defense.

A big test

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

While it’s fair to say that the Panthers had an outright abysmal offensive performance in New Orleans, one of the few bright spots of outing was the offensive line.

Yes, there were a few sacks that leaked through. But the revamped offensive line held their own in pass protection, particularly from the inside.

This week, they face off against one of the most dynamic pass-rushing duos in Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Both left tackle Ikem Ekwonu and right tackle Taylor Moton are going to need to bring their best to try and secure a safe pocket for quarterback Bryce Young.

If they can continue to protect their young passer, this offense may just have a shot.

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Key matchups for Panthers vs. Chargers in Week 2

Quite a few Panthers fans wanted WR Ladd McConkey out of this year’s draft. But now, the Chargers rookie may be a thorn in their team’s side this weekend.

Here are the four most important battles within Sunday’s Week 2 war between the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Chargers:

Panthers OTs Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton vs. Chargers OLBs Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Don’t let the pair of Pro Bowl pass rushers get to your quarterback. Obvious, right?

Well, unfortunately for the Las Vegas Raiders, the pair of Pro Bowl pass rushers got to theirs last week. Bosa and Mack combined for 2.5 sacks and eight pressures of Gardner Minshew, helping keep their division rivals to just 10 points on the afternoon.

Ekwonu and Moton, although relatively solid in their 2024 debuts, combined to allow six pressures of Bryce Young in Week 1.

Panthers HC Dave Canales vs. Chargers S Derwin James

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Speaking of Young being pressured, the second-year quarterback ate three sacks from cornerback (yes, cornerback) Alontae Taylor in the regular-season opener. The Panthers simply had no answer to the New Orleans Saints’ nickel blitzes.

So you better believe that the Chargers will move their chess piece James towards the pocket at least a few times. It’s up to Canales, who spoke about putting Young in better protection schemes this week, to find a way to neutralize that part of the All-Pro safety’s game.

Panthers’ front seven vs. Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins

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The Panthers, even with Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown, allowed the Saints to march on them for 180 rushing yards. Now, they’re without Brown—and are set to face off against a run-heavy offense.

Last week’s ground attack for Los Angeles was led by running back J.K. Dobbins, who notched 135 yards and a touchdown on only 10 carries. And included in those 10 attempts were runs of 46 and 61 yards.

Carolina’s front seven can’t allow Dobbins to escape through their levels in ripping off another long run or two.

Panthers CB Troy Hill vs. Chargers WR Ladd McConkey

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

McConkey, a draft darling of quite a few Panthers fans this offseason, was quarterback Justin Herbert’s top target in Week 1—tallying team-highs in receptions (five), targets (seven), receiving yards (39) and receiving touchdowns (one).

Per Pro Football Focus, 14 of his 23 snaps in passing situations came out of the slot. So the rookie will be the primary responsibility for the nickel corner Hill, who saw 26 looks (20 more than the next closest Panther) from the slot in New Orleans.

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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

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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

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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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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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News, notes and takes from Thursday’s joint practice between Panthers and Jets

Contributor Jared Feinberg gives his top notes and biggest takeaways after attending Thursday’s joint practice between the Panthers and Jets.

Not only was this morning’s training camp session the final one of the summer for the Carolina Panthers, but it was also their biggest.

For the second time in as many years, the team hosted a joint practice with the New York Jets. And, as expected, the competitive juices weren’t just flowing—they were flooding.

Here, from my visit to Thursday’s outing, are the top notes and takes on the day:

Panthers offense turns in their first great day of camp

The biggest storyline heading into Thursday’s highly-anticipated practice was how the offense would perform against a well-regarded Jets defense. With wide receiver Diontae Johnson out with a mild groin strain, Carolina and their new scheme hoped to snap out of the recent lull.

To my surprise, the offense performed well in multiple competitive drills that included one-on-one, seven-on-seven, 11-on-11 and two-minute drills. It seems that head coach Dave Canales has an attack that allows his receivers to get open and perform on rhythm. It helps when quarterback Bryce Young is on time, accurate, making off-platform throws and putting passes where he wanted them to go.

Young had his best day of camp, in my opinion. It was impressive to watch him navigate through the pocket and work through his progressions. He made great decisions with the ball and never put it in harm’s way against a talented New York defense.

Despite injuries to their overall depth and a couple of key starters, the Panthers offensive line gave their second-year signal caller enough time to get the ball out on time. Austin Corbett, who has been handling his transition from guard to center, had his best practice as well. The bad snaps were non-existent and his execution was steady.

One thing that I’ve come to notice is how little noise there has been on left tackle Ikem Ekwonu. I wanted to see for myself if he had continued to show improvement since Fan Fest and, sure enough, he has been consistent at Young’s blindside.

Defense holds its own against Aaron Rodgers, Jets offense

At age 40, Aaron Rodgers looked like the same player he was before he tore his Achilles last year. Yet, it was the defense that looked impressive in team drills.

Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s group created five takeaways, including four interceptions against all of the Jets quarterbacks. Interior defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson forced a fumble via the “Peanut Punch” at the goal line during a red zone team drill. Rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace continued to have a solid camp, having been one of the Panthers to snag an interception against Rodgers.

Wallace’s biggest issue right now is he’s thinking more than he is doing, which means he’s too focused on pondering during plays. Once he does more reacting, there will be a clear sign of progression this fall.

Defensive backs Alex Cook and D’Shawn Jamison continued their standout camps. Both had an interception and made plays on the ball.

Despite his smaller frame, Jamison plays with physicality, discipline and aggression—showing he has a case to make the final 53-man roster at the end of the month. He did, however, have some missteps—including some pass interference and holding calls.

Carolina’s safety room is deep with talent and could be the strongest one on the roster. While Xavier Woods is out with a groin injury, Jordan Fuller and Nick Scott have closed off the deep halves of the field. Along with Cook, fellow youngster Demani Richardson has stood out as well.

Pass rusher Eku Leota could be an impact player for the Panthers defense this fall. He won some one-on-one reps in individual and team drills against the Jets’ offensive tackles.

Evero’s defense looks to be a strong unit again in 2024. It’s aggressive, physical and disciplined. You rarely see someone out of position in zone coverage or man assignments.

I don’t expect this unit to be put in impossible situations like it did last season, where there was zero margin for error. With an improved offense, Carolina’s defense could play close to its potential.

Injuries continue to hamper the Panthers

In a sport like football, injuries are bound to happen. Unfortunately for the Panthers, they’ve been hit with quite the bug.

Some notable injuries include Woods (groin), cornerback Dane Jackson (hamstring injury) and guard Chandler Zavala (hamstring).

With Jackson now out for about six weeks, that adds more pressure to the group behind star cornerback Jaycee Horn. Jamison, Lamar Jackson and Dicaprio Bootle are the top remaining players at the spot.

(I feel this could be a prime opportunity for the Panthers to sign veteran Stephon Gilmore to ease those depth concerns should Horn go down himself.)

The offensive line has not had all five projected starters on the field together outside of a few practices due to injuries or other absences. Their depth has been battered with injuries, short- or long-term. The wavier wire will be very popular and crucial at not just the line, but at other positions as well.

Extra notes

  • Wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. had his best day of the summer. In team drills, the fourth-year pass catcher grabbed two impressive touchdowns with his quality ball skills. The talent is there, but has never come together on the field. It’s unclear whether he makes the final roster or not. Yet, practices and preseason games like today help his case.
  • Running back Mike Boone continues to stand out. The Charlotte Observer’s Mike Kaye pointed out his value on special teams coverage, as a receiver and as an overall runner. With rookie Jonathon Brooks likely to remain on the sidelines to start the season, Boone’s chances to make the roster look good.
  • Furthermore, on the Panthers offensive scheme, it seems there will be more motion and usage of crossing routes and creative concepts. The difference between last year’s system under Frank Reich and this year’s under Canales is astounding.
  • It is still unclear whether Canales will have his starters play Saturday night in the second preseason game. It shouldn’t come as a surprise if they don’t—but with the amount of injuries that have piled up amongst their depth, the starters could see some playing time. If not, look for all of them to play in the third and final preseason game next week against the Buffalo Bills.

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Panthers projected depth chart heading into 2024 training camp

You may want to keep this projected depth chart handy ahead of the Panthers’ 2024 training camp.

Summer break is nearly over for the Carolina Panthers.

On Friday, rookies will report back to Charlotte for the start of this year’s training camp. They’ll be followed by the veterans after the weekend, who will be in right before the first outing of practice on Wednesday.

But what do the team’s pecking orders look like across the program as of now?

Here is our full projected depth chart for Carolina’s current 90-man roster heading into camp:

Offense:

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th
QB Bryce Young Andy Dalton Jack Plummer
RB Chuba Hubbard Miles Sanders Jonathon Brooks Raheem Blackshear Rashaad Penny Mike Boone Jaden Shirden
WR Diontae Johnson Jonathan Mingo David Moore Cam Sims Sam Pinckney
WR Xavier Legette Terrace Marshall Jr. Michael Strachan Jalen Coker Daewood Davis
SWR Adam Thielen Ihmir Smith-Marsette
TE Tommy Tremble Ian Thomas Stephen Sullivan Ja’Tavion Sanders Jordan Matthews
LT Ikem Ekwonu Yosh Nijman Ricky Lee Jeremiah Crawford
LG Damien Lewis Cade Mays
C Austin Corbett Brady Christensen Andrew Raym
RG Robert Hunt Chandler Zavala Nash Jensen J.D. DiRenzo
RT Taylor Moton Badara Traore Christian Duffie

Defense:

1st 2nd 3rd 4th
DE Derrick Brown LaBryan Ray T.J. Smith Junior Aho
DT Shy Tuttle Nick Thurman Ulumoo Ale
DE A’Shawn Robinson Jaden Crumedy Popo Aumavae
OLB Jadeveon Clowney K’Lavon Chaisson Amaré Barno Eku Leota Derrick McLendon
ILB Shaq Thompson Trevin Wallace Chandler Wooten Claudin Cherelus
ILB Josey Jewell Tae Davis Michael Barrett Jackson Mitchell
OLB D.J. Wonnum DJ Johnson Cam Gill Luiji Vilain Kenny Dyson Jr.
CB Jaycee Horn D’Shawn Jamison Lamar Jackson
CB Dane Jackson Dicaprio Bootle Willie Drew
SS Xavier Woods Jammie Robinson Sam Franklin Jr. Demani Richardson Clayton Isbell
FS Jordan Fuller Nick Scott Alex Cook
NCB Troy Hill Chau Smith-Wade

Special teams:

1st 2nd
K Eddy Piñeiro Harrison Mevis
P Johnny Hekker
LS JJ Jansen
KR Raheem Blackshear Ihmir Smith-Marsette Xavier Legette
PR Ihmir Smith-Marsette Xavier Legette

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Panthers OT Ikem Ekwonu: I was ‘riding the coattails’ of my rookie season in 2023

Panthers LT Ikem Ekwonu didn’t have the sophomore season many hoped he would in 2023. He explained why that was the case on Wednesday.

Carolina Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu didn’t seem to take a step forward in his sophomore season. Heck, some may even say he took a step back.

And on Wednesday, he explained why that may have been the case.

Ekwonu spoke to reporters after today’s session of team organized activities. He was asked what he’s done this offseason to move on from a bumpy 2023.

“I think one of the biggest things—I’ve been meeting with my coaching staff a little more closely,” Ekwonu replied. “I feel like last year, I didn’t really take advantage of the resources that I had available to me. I feel I kinda just . . . kinda just, I guess, riding the coattails of that rookie season a little bit. Feel like I was at a place where I just wasn’t. Wasn’t afraid this year to reach out and ask for some help. Go over film with the guys, some of the new guys we have in the building. And I think it’s definitely helped me out.”

Ekwonu put forth a promising rookie campaign in 2022. After a very rough debut against the Cleveland Browns and star Myles Garrett in Week 1, the sixth overall pick went on to allow just four sacks in the team’s remaining 16 games.

This past season wasn’t as solid for the 6-foot-4, 320-pounder, who was charged with 11 sacks and 44 pressures—17 more than his 27 pressures allowed from 2022.

His struggles in pass protection contributed to the constant troubles for rookie quarterback Bryce Young, who was sacked a total of 62 times.

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