The Carolina Panthers need to show that last week's ugly performance against the Buffalo Bills was just a blip. And after some motivational words to the media this week, head coach Dave Canales will be expecting nothing less in preseason Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Carolina's first-team offense managed three straight three-and-outs in Buffalo, ending its day after only nine snaps. Now the Panthers get another chance against the Jaguars, who are coming off an AFC South title win last season.
While the joint practice earlier this week gave Carolina some encouraging moments, it also exposed areas that still need work. Here are three things Panthers fans should be watching closely at Everbank Stadium.
Storylines Carolina Panthers fans should watch in preseason Week 2 against the Jaguars
First-team offense's functionality
Quarterback Bryce Young and the starters need to look like an actual offense after what happened in Buffalo.Â
The situation should be better in Jacksonville. Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis returned to practice this week, and the Panthers' starting offensive line looked better as the joint practice progressed.Â
There were also some encouraging moments between Young and Tetairoa McMillan during Wednesday's practice. The dynamic duo connected for a deep touchdown during a move-the-ball period, and again for another contested touchdown later in the session.
That needs to carry over into the game.
Nobody needs to see the starters play four quarters in the preseason. But a couple of sustained drives, some first downs, and a touchdown or two would go a long way.
Carolina Panthers' defensive momentum
The defense has looked like the more encouraging side of the team this preseason, and Jacksonville provides another good test.
I’m excited to see how edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd shape out. The joint practice against Jacksonville was a mixed bag, as quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars' offense had early success.
This is a good offense that will test this new Panthers defense.
Carolina Panthers rushing attack must show life
The Panthers haven't gotten much from their ground game in the preseason, but there were signs of improvement during Wednesday's joint practice.
Chuba Hubbard remained sidelined with a hamstring issue, giving Jonathon Brooks and A.J. Dillon more opportunities. According to Canales, the run game improved as practice went on, with Brooks running well downhill and Dillon breaking off several strong runs.
That is something worth watching against Jacksonville.
Brooks is especially interesting after making his preseason debut against Buffalo. He touched the ball four times on the first offense's nine snaps, giving Carolina a chance to see where he is physically after his long recovery from a torn ACL. He came through unscathed, which is another important milestone in his long road to recovery.
The Panthers don't necessarily need a huge rushing performance in Jacksonville. They need to see consistency.
Let’s see what Young and the offense, the revamped defense, and Carolina's run game can do against the Jaguars.
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