3 winners and 3 losers from Carolina Panthers first preseason game
By Jason Huber
Marquis Haynes – Carolina Panthers DE
Defensive end Marquis Haynes is now one of the more experienced players on the Carolina Panthers defense and despite not being a starter, he certainly showed on Sunday that the depth chart has a deep group of edge-rushers.
Haynes set the tempo for the Panthers defense, getting a strip-sack on Colts quarterback Jacob Eason that led to a Carolina field goal in the first half.
In total, Haynes had two quarterbacks hits, two solo tackles and the strip-sack.
After having a slight breakout season last year, playing in 15 games for Carolina, Haynes only solidified his spot as the top defensive end backing up Brian Burns this season.
If he continues this type of play, opponents will be fearing seeing him off the bench. And should the player replicate or enhance the production he displayed during the previous campaign, the Ole Miss product could be in line for an extension when his contract expires this spring.
There is a lot of football to be played between now and then, obviously. But Haynes is off to a good start this offseason and there could be even more to come from the player now the coaching staff knows he can be relied upon.