5 big takeaways from the Carolina Panthers win vs. NY Jets in Week 1
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers defense is the real deal
Coming into the season, Carolina Panthers fans were really excited to watch how this young defense would perform.
In the first half, the defense was lights out.
At the half, the Panthers led 16-0 with rookie quarterback Zach Wilson struggling with a stat line of 6-16 for 84 yards, an interception, a 29.2 passer rating, and he was sacked three times.
Although they gave up some yards and points in the second half, this can be attributed slightly to the offense not staying on the field.
The defense ended the day with six sacks and a pick. The duo of Brian Burns and Hasson Reddick gave the New York Jets’ offensive line constant problems, finishing the game with 2.5 sacks between them.
Jets tackles George Fant and Mekhi Becton – who left with a serious-looking knee injury late in the third – will have nightmares about the duo, who created constant pressure off the edge.
Shaq Thompson also snagged a second career pick and had a great day overall after changing to the No. 7 pregame as the Panthers really gave Wilson a rough introduction into NFL life.
If this defense can continue to shine as they did in the first half today they have the opportunity to be a top 10 defense in the league.