5 unsung heroes from the Carolina Panthers second preseason game
By Dean Jones
Josh Bynes – Carolina Panthers LB
Despite being a relative newcomer to the Carolina Panthers, Josh Bynes has fitted in seamlessly and left another solid contribution on the field in preseason Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens. The veteran linebacker is a proven performer with bags of experience, something not many of the current roster can claim thanks to some substantial changes across the board over the last two offseasons.
Bynes is fighting for a place on the 53-man roster and did his claims no harm at all on Saturday. The former Auburn standout was on the field for 55 percent of the team’s defensive snaps, recording nine tackles and providing a young team with a strong communicator at the second level.
This was a pleasant surprise and something that the Panthers might opt to take with them into Week 1 against the New York Jets and beyond.
Carolina does have Jermaine Carter and Denzel Perryman as their middle linebacker options. But Bynes is well in contention judging by his level of production in a short space of time.
Bynes is a 10-year veteran and Super Bowl winner. A player that others can go to for advice and guidance when things get tough throughout the campaign.
His future might become clearer next weekend when the starters get additional time in the preseason finale. Even if Bynes doesn’t end up making the team, he can leave the organization knowing he couldn’t have done much more.