Tag: robert hunt

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 2 opponent: Panthers

Here are some important things to know about the Panthers ahead of the Week 2 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers are on the road to face the Panthers on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 10:00 a.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 2 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

Offseason rebuild

After finishing 2-15 last season, a new coaching staff and front office members were brought in. Dave Canales is in his first season as head coach for the Panthers. Canales spent his first 13 seasons with the Seahawks (2010-22) in various offensive roles before serving as the offensive coordinator of the Buccaneers in 2023.

Bryce looking to bounce back

The Panthers selected quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Young’s rookie season wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as he completed just 315 of 527 pass attempts for 2,877 yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He only surpassed 200 passing yards in just five games. In the season opener last Sunday against the Saints, Young did not look much improved as a passer, completing 13 of 30 passes for 161 yards and two interceptions. Even with an upgraded receiver room, with Diontae Johnson and first-round pick Xavier Legette, Young still struggled to connect with them, overthrowing them on a few throws.

Defense was dominated

The Panthers bolstered their defense in the spring, signing defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, linebacker Josey Jewell, edge defender Jadeveon Clowney, cornerback Dane Jackson and safety Jordan Fuller. Despite the additions, the product on the field was nothing to write home about. The Saints put up 47 points on the scoreboard. New Orleans scored on every one of its first nine possessions of the game. Carolina gave up 379 total yards, 180 of which came on the ground.

Star defender out for the season

The Panthers will be without Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 1. The anchor of the defensive front, Brown just signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension this offseason. Brown is coming off a career year in which he amassed 103 tackles and 15 for loss.

Look out for…

Offensive lineman Robert Hunt. Usually, a skill player would be slotted here, but I’m highlighting the 100-million-dollar man. Previously with the Dolphins, Hunt has proven himself as one of the best right guards in the NFL. It will be a fun matchup in the trenches between him and Poona Ford and Otito Ogbonnia, who are both coming off dominant performances.

Panthers TE Tommy Tremble returns to practice on Wednesday

After missing Sunday’s opener, Panthers TE Tommy Tremble returned to the practice field this afternoon.

The Carolina Panthers really could’ve used some good news after learning that they’ve lost Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown for the season. And fortunately, they got a little light on Wednesday.

Starting tight end Tommy Tremble, who missed Sunday’s regular-season opener due to a hamstring injury, returned to the practice field this afternoon. In addition to Tremble, the 47-10 loss did not feature fellow tight end Ian Thomas—one of nine Panthers currently on an injured reserve list.

In Tremble’s place was rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders, who received the starting nod in his NFL debut. The 2024 fourth-round pick recorded one catch for four yards.

Carolina, however, did not have outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) and punter Johnny Hekker (back) down as participants for today’s session.

Here is the first injury report of the week ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
P Johnny Hekker Back DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Ankle DNP
G Robert Hunt Shoulder Limited
G Damien Lewis Groin Limited
OT Yosh Nijman Tibia Limited
TE Tommy Tremble Hamstring/back Limited

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Breaking down film from the Panthers’ Week 1 loss to Saints

Was Panthers QB Bryce Young really that bad in Week 1? Kind of. But a review of the film shows some promising developments.

The Carolina Panthers entered this year’s regular-season opener with expectations of growth and improvement under new head coach Dave Canales. And while those prospects could still be on the horizon, they were nowhere to be seen in their humiliating 47-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

From the broadcast, everything looked out of shape in all three phases—and the team’s second-year quarterback, Bryce Young had one of his worst games as a pro. That, obviously, doesn’t give the fan base confidence moving forward.

But what it really that bad?

Let’s search for some context from the defeat by taking a deep dive into the All-22 game film . . .

What to take away from Carolina’s defensive performance

Although it’s expected that they’re going to take a step back in pass-rushing production, the Panthers defense was in line to improve against the run—especially with the additions of defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson and inside linebacker Josey Jewell.

Instead, New Orleans ran all over Carolina’s defensive front—posting 180 rushing yards at 4.9 yards per attempt. They also got passed on from get-go:

To make matters worse, Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown tore his meniscus during the contest and will now miss the remainder of the season. Losing Brown for the year could turn this trench into the worst in all of football.

Even with him, the group was blown off the line of scrimmage far too often—as the Saints offensive line won with superb leverage, hand placement and drive.

But despite the dreadful run defense, there were a couple of positives . . .

Cornerback Mike Jackson had a satisfactory game. He gave up a few catches here and there, but was sturdy overall. He made excellent tackles from coverage depth, showing adequate change of direction to redirect and make plays downhill. 

Outside linebacker Eku Leota also impressed, perhaps certifying himself as the team’s temporary No. 2 pass rusher opposite of Jadeveon Clowney.

I came away intrigued with his explosiveness and underrated power at the point of contact. Leota displayed these traits in several reps against first-round offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga, tallying three tackles for loss and the sack shown in the post above.

Offensive line shows improvement in steady showing

General manager Dan Morgan made a concerted effort to add protection around Young with the big-money additions of guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. And despite their quarterback’s struggles, the unit itself displayed progress and overall growth as a unit.

This is going to be a good run-blocking offensive line. On most run plays, the bunch was generating movement and pushing Saints defensive linemen four to six yards back—using good hip torque and power at the point of attack. They created good lanes for running backs Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders to hit.

As a wrinkle, backup Brady Christensen was used as an eligible player lined up as a tight end or halfback as an extra blocker. I appreciate Canales for being creative and getting him on the field.

In pass protection, this group was solid. There were, however, some moments of miscommunication, especially when it came to the nickel blitzes. That’s why cornerback (yes, cornerback) Alontae Taylor finished the afternoon with 3.0 sacks.

Bryce Young had a bad day, but it wasn’t absolutely horrible

We all know Young had a bad game, but I don’t believe it was as terrible as some make it to be. 

He had some very rough misfires, including on his two interception—toward the deep crosser of Diontae Johnson and the scramble drill to Adam Thielen from the deep curl concepts, respectively. 

There were also some instances where he missed open receivers on backside reads, showing that he may have been fully overwhelmed. (But the Saints played excellent defense Sunday—and based on my interpretation of this game, that group could’ve shut down anyone.)

Young wasn’t given enough check-down outlets, especially on some of the deep pass game concepts that were run and the second pick he threw where the middle of the field was empty. That would allow for a more seamless chunk play on third-and-17.

There were some plays where he had “NFL open” outlets, but was unable to connect. The former No. 1 overall selection had a couple of instances where his targeted receiver didn’t show enough effort to get to the ball. 

On the positive side, Young displayed solid pocket navigation. A number of those throws were well-placed with timing and anticipation with him finding spots to pick versus zone coverage. Plenty of his incomplete passes were true throwaways due to coverage as well.

Young must improve going forward. There is no question that he is now on the hot seat.

While it is unlikely that the Panthers bench him and go with Andy Dalton, who may not be a better option anyway, the former Heisman Trophy winner must play with more calmness. The next 16 games will be crucial to his evaluation as Carolina’s franchise quarterback.

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Best and worst PFF grades from Panthers’ Week 1 loss to Saints

Panthers QB Bryce Young was saddled with the second-worst PFF grade of his career.

As painful as this may be—let’s give it a go, shall we?

Here are the best and worst Pro Football Focus grades for the Carolina Panthers from their horrendous season-opening loss to the New Orleans Saints:

Best of the offense

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

1. LG Damien Lewis: 80.0
1. TE Feleipe Franks: 80.0
3. RG Robert Hunt: 79.5
4. C Austin Corbett: 71.7
5. RB Mike Boone: 69.0

Well, at least those investments on the interior offensive line paid off right away.

Only one pressure was attributed to the trio of Lewis, Hunt and Corbett. Each earned a pass-blocking grade of at least 84.6.

Worst of the offense

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

15. QB Andy Dalton: 53.3
16. TE Jordan Matthews: 47.5
17. TE Ja’Tavion Sanders: 47.4
18. WR Jonathan Mingo: 45.2
19. QB Bryce Young: 32.6

Young brings up the rear after one of the stinkiest showings of his NFL career. He completed 13 of his 30 passes for 161 yards and two errant interceptions.

Best of the defense

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

1. DE A’Shawn Robinson: 73.0
2. SS Xavier Woods: 71.5
3. DT Jayden Peevy: 70.8
4. OLB Jadeveon Clowney: 69.5
5. CB Mike Jackson: 65.1

Robinson, another free-agent signing from this spring, also played well in his Panthers debut. He, as did Woods, recorded a pair of stops.

Worst of offense

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

13. MLB Josey Jewell: 48.7
14. DE Derrick Brown: 47.7
15. DT Nick Thurman: 46.2
16. NT Shy Tuttle: 29.5
17. FS Jordan Fuller: 28.0

Fuller, in his first outing for Carolina, was charged with five receptions for 116 yards on five targets.

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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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What to make of Austin Corbett’s transition to center (thus far)

Austin Corbett’s move to center hasn’t been a perfect one for the seventh-year lineman and the Panthers.

One of, if not the biggest priority for the Carolina Panthers this offseason was to bolster their offense for second-year quarterback and 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. And the way they’ve done so, at least in one particular spot, has been quite interesting.

The organization’s reconfigured front office signed over a combined $150 million to guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis this past spring. Those weighty additions essentially demoted last year’s starters, Brady Christensen and Austin Corbett.

But with latter widely considered one of the NFL’s better interior lineman, new head coach Dave Canales has made the decision to keep him on the field.

The move? Switching the former 2018 second-round selection from right guard to center, a position Corbett has never recorded a regular-season snap at as a pro.

Along with the inexperience and recent injury history of Corbett, the transition has little insurance to speak of. General manager Dan Morgan and company have gambled by not signing or drafting a player at the position, leaving them with undrafted rookie Andrew Raym as the only natural center on the current roster.

So now, as the end of training camp approaches, the project has been a bit rough to watch.

Numerous fan videos and accounts throughout summer practices have shown Corbett missing the mark with snaps on multiple occasions.

There have also been lapses in pass protection as a whole, perhaps reminding those watching of the troubles from the disastrous 2023 campaign.

If you’re an optimist, you may view this as a transition period for Corbett—a former guard playing a new position on the offensive line and still trying to adjust. With his high football intelligence, Corbett could become a quality starter.

If you’re pessimistic on the move, or with the team in general, you may view this as an another miss. Perhaps you’re wishing the team just drafted a natural center such as West Virginia’s Zach Frazier or Arkansas’ Beaux Limmer to provide some competition for the veteran interior lineman.

Frankly, it’s too early to say whether the Panthers made the wrong choice of not selecting a center during the draft. It’s also too early to say whether Corbett will or won’t work out at his new digs.

There are some unknowns, driving up the anxiety of fans wanting to see competent line play from the offensive front. The reason for this anxiety, of course, is the concern about keeping Young upright after he ate 62 sacks as a rookie.

Nonetheless, Corbett should be given the benefit of the doubt, as playing center is different than playing guard or tackle.

The blocking angles and leverages are different, the responsibility is greater with protection calls and the pass sets themselves are different. Instead of a kick step, you’re dropping backward in a straight line at times, and not exactly dropping into a kick slide to block pass rushers up an arc.

It’s fair to acknowledge the mistakes Carolina may have made in not finding legitimate competition at a crucial position. Again, there are plenty of unknowns with the Panthers offense, including at center.

This year should be about growth and adding the building blocks for a successful future. That should apply to Corbett, and patience should be required in this process.

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Panthers G Robert Hunt praises new teammates Austin Corbett, Bryce Young

New Panthers G Robert Hunt talked about a few of his closest co-workers.

Any job is a whole lot better when you’re enjoying the company of the people you’re working with. And luckily for new Carolina Panthers right guard Robert Hunt, that seems to be the case with two of his closest co-workers.

Hunt spoke to reporters following Tuesday’s session of training camp. He was asked about his offensive line mate Austin Corbett, who has been transitioning to the center position this offseason.

“You couldn’t even tell,” he said of Corbett switching from guard to center. “I’m playing with him, beside him—I would think that he was the center all along. He does a really good job of communicating, setting everything up, having everybody on the same page. He’s looked good, he’s done good.”

Corbett’s move to the middle was sparked by the signing of Robert Hunt, who inked a five-year, $100 million deal this spring. A guard by trade, Corbett has yet to log a regular-season snap at center.

Hunt also spoke on who Corbett has been snapping the ball to—quarterback Bryce Young. He was asked what he’s learned about the 23-year-old passer thus far.

“That he’s a playmaker—which I kinda started at in college, I watched a little bit of his game in college,” Hunt replied. “He likes to make plays. That’s not a bad thing at all. We love that. He likes to make plays, man. That’s what we need. He’s tough, he can sling the ball, put it in tight windows.”

So, all in all, not a bad start for the new guy and his new friends.

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Panthers C Austin Corbett talks about chemistry of revamped offensive line

Panthers C Austin Corbett says the starting offensive line is embracing the responsibilities of their roles.

The hog mollies want to make sure they’re earning every one of their pennies this season.

Carolina Panthers center Austin Corbett spoke with reporters following Saturday’s outing of training camp. He was asked about the two new fellas by his side—left guard Damien Lewis and right guard Robert Hunt.

“Both Damien and Robert—both massive men,” he replied. “And both of them can move very quick. And so it’s nice to be able to fit up some double teams with some giants that can bend like that. It makes it exciting. It’s a lot of weight on the inside. And so to be able to get down and bend and move some bodies and open up some run lanes and, at the same time, anchor down in the pocket and let Bryce [Young] do his thing.”

The Panthers dished out quite a bit of money to both Lewis and Hunt so that Bryce can do his thing. Hunt made himself one of the game’s highest-paid guards with a five-year, $100 pact this spring while Lewis inked a solid four-year, $53 million deal of his own.

Corbett, who’s also on a pretty lucrative agreement, was then asked about the chemistry of the group as a whole.

“Really solid—across the room, really,” he responded. “It’s a great room. From Ickey [Ekwonu] all the way over to T-Mo [Taylor Moton]. Really just five guys upfront that love to run the rock, that love to pass protect and wanna anchor down and let Bryce do his thing.

“We all understand that we’re highly paid upfront. We get that. Five pretty significant contracts upfront. Five-star player, you gotta play like it. So we understand the role and responsibilities that we’re tasked with. We embrace that and we want that pressure.”

Well, somebody’s gotta handle that pressure. And hopefully for the Panthers, it’s not their quarterback again.

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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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ESPN gives Panthers solid grade for 2024 offseason

The Panthers fared pretty well this offseason according to ESPN’s Seth Walder.

So, how did the reconstructed Carolina Panthers front office do in their first offseason?

Seth Walder of ESPN Analytics recently graded each NFL team’s trips through free agency and the draft here in 2024. Walder marks up the Dan Morgan-led Panthers with a solid ‘B-‘ grade, highlighting the acquisition of wide receiver Diontae Johnson as the move he liked:

The Panthers’ biggest challenge was dealing with an extreme need at wide receiver, and they were able to come up with a creative solution, dealing cornerback Donte Jackson for Johnson. The former Steelers receiver brings a much-needed skill set — most notably, the ability to get open with regularity. Johnson ranked 12th in open score in 2023 and first in 2022, per our receiver tracking metrics).

The former Pro Bowler was acquired at the beginning of the new league year from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Carolina agreed to send over cornerback Donte Jackson along with a pick swap for the pass-catching technician.

Walder also provided some thoughts on who the Panthers did (Derrick Brown) and did not (Brian Burns) give a long-term extension to:

I’m torn on Carolina’s choice. It has to operate like it is in Year 2 of a rookie QB window, so it might have wanted to retain and pay Burns, but this team is far away from contending and the draft capital helps in the long term. The Panthers made the opposite choice with defensive tackle Derrick Brown, whom they signed to a $96 million extension. Though I’d have preferred to allocate that money to Burns, I like Brown, who led all defensive tackles in run stop win rate last season (47%) by a healthy margin. They paid for that skill, as $24 million per year isn’t cheap.

Speaking of not being cheap, Walder questioned Carolina’s investment into guard Robert Hunt as well. That five-year, $100 million pact, which was a move he disliked, probably hurt that final grade a bit.

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