Carolina Panthers rewind and what lies ahead in the preseason

A rewind of the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins, plus what lies ahead versus New England…

For those not fortunate enough to be in the stadium and settled in their seats by the time Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey threw a charge into the offense and fandom with his 71-yard run and prospects for 2018 season, relax.

Yes, there’s going to be more runs like that, and Greg Van Roten paving the way should be seen as an indicator of how the offensive line is progressing. The two sacks on Cam Newton by Dolphin defensive end Robert Quinn, well, Matt Kalil was held out of practice Sunday, so the task of forging that unit continues.

Newton completed nine of 12 passes for 85 yards, a touchdown and interception, while playing most of the second quarter, departing after a 27-yard hookup with rookie tight end Ian Thomas with 2:07 left before halftime. Greg Olsen must have been smiling, because even from six rows up in second deck, seeing Thomas slip underneath and be *real* open is part of the magic you’d love to see imparted by “Olsen the Wise”. Thomas is a LOAD (6-foot-3, 260 pounds) after he gets rolling, and there’s every expectation that his development will be a killer addition to the Norv Turner offense, especially since he spent a vast majority of his college career as an extra blocker. *Everyone* likes to catch and run.

Outside of the Newton sacks, Turner had to like how the offense looked. A whole stadium enjoyed how Curtis Samuel looked on the 39-yard reception, first a blow by on defender and then adjusting for the catch. Yes, he appears ready to be a regular part of the receiving rotation, and unless Carolina keeps an extra receiver, that makes things tight for Damiere Byrd.

Friday against Miami is going to be the last time you see Donte Jackson play off a receiver like he had a gun. Jackson’s MO is *tight* and counting on his speed to fix any negatives. Thus far, he has been bringing the hits enough to look like a legitimate Week 1 starter opposite

James Bradberry

. Rashaan Gaulden is going to get plenty of time against New England. Da’Norris Searcy left in first quarter, now spending some time in the concussion protocol.

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Carolina had 226 rushing yards – McCaffrey had five carries for 92 yards with a score; Kenjon Barner 72 yards on his five touches and Cameron Artis-Payne in addition to Elijah Hood both hit pay dirt. Lots of healthy competition, including Alex Armah and potentially Hood at the fullback position.

The defense was fine, stopping the Dolphins three times to create all those field goals. Shaq Thompson had a sack, and here’s a real cheer for Corn Elder’s double tap interception. Searcy was only real injury, it would be helpful if Elder is available after a good camp.

New England for the Panthers third preseason game should be a solid test of both the offensive line and system of getting the ball out of Newton’s hand quickly to a variety of weapons as they can expect. Third games usually involve the most significant on-field time for an offense, and at home, with some personnel issues and that new offense to get more proficient with, Newton will likely be working through all the throws with the first-team into second half. Backups Garrett Gilbert and Taylor Heinicke will probably settle who’s No. 2 quarterback next week.

Next. Final Roster Prediction Surprises. dark

The NFL vs. Panthers logo at mid-field hasn’t been settled as far as painting anything on the Bank of America Stadium turf. Roster cutdowns to 53 active/inactive list for all teams are scheduled before the September 1, 4:00pm ET deadline.

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