Panthers vs. Jaguars Preseason Takeaways: Bryce Young and starting offense bounce back as final roster spots are becoming clear
The Carolina Panthers had a way better showing all around during Friday’s 34-17 preseason win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Let’s break down some of the top takeaways from QB Bryce Young and Co.
What a difference a week makes for the Carolina Panthers, who turned in an exceptional showing against the Jacksonville Jaguars in what was technically the team’s third preseason game but in Week 2 of the NFL preseason slate.
After a close win in the Hall of Fame game and a tough blowout loss in game two, Carolina delivered a dominant 34-17 performance that should give fans plenty of reasons for optimism heading into the final week of the preseason. Even with several starters sitting out, primarily on the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers showed a lot of growth in nearly every area on Friday.
First-team offense looked much more polished with veteran guards back in the lineup
The first-team offense started slow, trending in the same direction as last week with what looked like another short stint on the field. The first drive’s only first down came via a gifted defensive pass interference call, and the Panthers were forced to punt shortly after. Fortunately, coach Dave Canales kept the starters out for a second drive, and that’s where quarterback Bryce Young started to heat up.
Young went 4-for-4 on his second drive, connecting with wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan for a big completion and hitting Jalen Coker as well. The drive culminated in a touchdown run by running back Jonathon Brooks, his first career score in the NFL.
The biggest difference from last week was on the interior offensive line. Veteran guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt, who each missed the previous game due to injuries, returned to the first-team lineup on Friday. Canales rightfully wanted to see what the offense could look like with those two in place, and the results were much improved.
Hunt and rookie right tackle Monroe Freeling formed a dynamic and powerful duo on the right side, clearing a big lane for Brooks on an 11-yard carry. There was one issue worth noting that came with Brooks having a bad pass pro rep on one third down, but the overall improvement was evident for the starting offense.
Tetairoa McMillan’s slot usage is exactly what the Panthers hinted at all offseason
McMillan hauled in two receptions for 25 yards, including a 17-yard explosive play. That catch came out of the slot, which is exactly what the Panthers have been hinting at all offseason. Carolina wants to utilize McMillan as a big slot receiver, using his size as a mismatch over the middle of the field and getting him the ball quicker from inside alignments rather than keeping him predominantly on the outside.
Some wondered, myself included, whether Chris Brazzell’s injury would force McMillan to stay outside full-time. It was encouraging to see the coaching staff still willing to deploy him in the slot despite losing Brazzell to a season-ending injury because he can absolutely cook in that alignment.
WR6 battle comes down to Jimmy Horn Jr. and John Metchie III
The wide receiver room is taking shape. Ja’seem Reed appears to have locked up the fifth receiver spot despite sitting out this game with a minor ailment. Brycen Tremayne’s special teams value makes him secure as the fourth receiver. That leaves the sixth and final spot as a battle between Jimmy Horn Jr., David Moore, and John Metchie III.
Horn made his case early with a 39-yard end-around and a 15-yard reception while also contributing in the return game. Metchie, however, caught each of his first five targets and was productive well into the second half. Moore’s only notable moment was a bad drop right before halftime that would have set up an easier field goal attempt, though kicker Ryan Fitzgerald rendered it irrelevant by blasting a 61-yard field goal anyway. Still, plays like that can erode a coach’s trust over time and that’s all Moore has going for him.
To me, the real battle is between Horn and Metchie going into the final week of preseason. Moore can easily be cut and retained on the practice squad, and the same might honestly apply to Metchie. Horn, however, probably wouldn’t clear waivers if released. That would make him the likely choice for the final receiver spot.
AJ Dillon has solidified his roster spot
Running back AJ Dillon has answered the question of whether the Panthers should keep four running backs. His seven-yard bulldozing touchdown run at the goal line was vintage Dillon again, but it’s everything beyond his power-running role that has made him valuable on this roster.
He contributed on punt coverage, caught the ball well, and even broke a tackle on a reception to generate extra yards. Dillon is doing everything he can to make this roster, and at this point, the conversation around keeping all four backs shouldn’t be a difficult one. His skillset is one the Panthers need to keep around and is really hard to replace.
Slot cornerback competition remains unsettled
The tougher roster conversation centers on the nickel cornerback role. Chau Smith-Wade had an up-and-down game, which included back-to-back missed tackles in open space against the run but he also had a highlight-reel diving interception.
DeVonta Smith forced a fumble and continues to earn the coaching staff’s respect as a potential practice squad candidate who could sneak onto the 53-man roster if he keeps making plays. Corey Thornton also remains in consideration for the starting nickel spot.
The answer could also be a mix of different players. We know Ejiro Evero is willing to play Jaycee Horn in the slot as well if need be with rookie Will Lee III on the outside. But, when it comes to the final spots in this CB room, I need another week before making a final decision on who stays on the roster and I’m sure the staff feels the same way.
