Carolina Panthers rookie report from first preseason game at Colts

Tommy Tremble – Carolina Panthers TE

With a disappointing 2020 season from Ian Thomas, the Carolina Panthers signed Dan Arnold and drafted Tommy Tremble in the third round to boost the team’s tight end options this time around.

While neither veteran played in the preseason opener, Tremble did and is making the tight end position complicated after his performance against the Indianapolis Colts.

Coming out of Notre Dame, Tremble was a highly-regarded blocking tight end with room to grow as a route runner. Well, the Panthers got him involved early as the first play from scrimmage went in his direction.

A few drives later, P.J. Walker escaped pressure and found Tremble in the end zone for the only Panthers touchdown of the day. The rookie finished the day with three catches for 19 yards and a score. Not a bad start by any means.

Brady Christensen – Carolina Panthers OT

Brady Christensen got the start at right tackle but also received reps at left guard as the game went on. He did have success and showed flashes throughout the day, but there were times where he struggled with edge rushers in pass protection.

For instance, on the lone touchdown of the day, P.J. Walker was forced out of the pocket because of a poor block from Christensen on the right side.

The result ended in a score, but seeing Christensen improve against the pass is just as important. He is currently listed as the backup right tackle behind Taylor Moton but could be moved over to the left side of the offensive line, which is where he played at BYU.

As for the third-round pick’s run blocking, Christensen played better, shifting defenders effectively to ensure a gap was created for his running back.