5 important observations from Carolina Panthers first preseason game
By Dean Jones
What were some big observations to take from the Carolina Panthers’ preseason game at the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday?
The dust is now settling on the Carolina Panthers’ first game of the preseason. It was a mixture of good or bad at the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, which finished 21-18 to the home team after Matt Rhule’s men were unable to hold on to their half-time advantage.
Obviously, it’s nice to win every game. Carolina’s top stars were all rested for the clash after a physical week of practice with Frank Reich’s men, leaving the rotational players and others on the fringes to come in and make their claims for depth chart position.
The Panthers would have found out far more about their players in this game than at any point during practice sessions. There is plenty to dissect on film and not much time to do it with the Baltimore Ravens coming to town this week for two joint practices and a game on Saturday.
With this in mind, here are five important observations from Carolina’s first preseason game.
Observation No. 1
A 2020 feel to the game
Although everyone is looking forward to the new campaign, the Carolina Panthers’ defeat at the Colts had some similarities to the struggles endured by the team in 2020.
A strong start was followed by poor execution in the second half, a lack of discipline in key moments, and red-zone difficulties throughout en route to a last-gasp loss.
Now it’s worth remembering this wasn’t the first-team unit. But everyone associated with the organization will be hoping this was just a blip and not a sign of things to come once again.