3 winners (and 4 losers) from Panthers' joint practice with the Texans

The Carolina Panthers got a lot of work into their starters during another worthwhile joint practice against the Houston Texans. This was a stern test for head coach Dave Canales' squad against arguably the league's best defense, serving as a strong measuring stick before the new campaign.

As expected, it was hot, intense, and physical.

There was no quarter given by either side, and things threatened to boil over on more than one occasion. More importantly, it was another useful part of the ongoing assessments in Carolina, with final cuts on the very near horizon this weekend.

Some flaws emerged, and there weren't many positives. Given that this was the last time the starters would see any real opposition until Week 1 against the Chicago Bears, it showed just how much hard work is ahead for Canales.

Before then, here are four winners and three losers from Carolina's joint practice against the Texans.

Winners and losers from the Carolina Panthers' joint practice against the Texans

Loser: Monroe Freeling, OT

Nobody was expecting a sound day at the office from Monroe Freeling. The rookie offensive tackle was up against the Texans' edge-rushing tandem of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, and they had their way with the offensive line throughout.

Hunter terrorized Freeling from start to finish. It was a brutal wake-up call about what it'll take for the No. 19 pick to succeed at the next level. But better this happens now than in the regular season.

Winner: Jimmy Horn Jr., WR

While the first-team offense couldn't get much joy against the formidable Houston defense, the second-stringers enjoyed more success. And as has been the case for most of the offseason, Jimmy Horn Jr. was among those who caught the eye throughout the summer.

Horn has completely changed his narrative this offseason. The versatile pass-catcher now looks like a roster lock, and a few nice catches versus the Texans represented another step in the right direction.

Loser: Rasheed Walker, OT

This will be a theme throughout the article. The offensive line was overwhelmed and outmatched by the Texans' defensive front. And even though veteran left tackle Rasheed Walker boasts far more experience than Freeling, it was still an immensely difficult practice.

Walker found life difficult against Anderson. He's one of the most dominant rushers anywhere in the league, and the Alabama product carved up the edge to get into the backfield quickly.

Brushing this off as a harsh learning experience won't wash. Massive improvements are needed, and quickly.

Winner: Feleipe Franks, TE

There weren't many bright spots, in all honesty. However, based on the reports from those watching on, Feleipe Franks was a tone-setting force on special teams once again.

The tight end wants to become a bigger focal point offensively, but Franks' forceful energy and ability to inspire others leave a lasting impact that must see him make the 53-man roster. And he brings a fighting spirit that is hard not to love.

Loser: Luke Fortner, C

The Panthers are seemingly content to move forward with Luke Fortner as their starting center. It's a stopgap until rookie fifth-rounder Sam Hecht develops, but after a promising start this offseason, the cracks are showing.

One could put it down to the Texans' defense being elite, and they are. But the overall functionality of the protection wasn't even good enough to put up any sort of consistent fight. And when the anchor of Carolina's offensive line isn't playing well, the entire unit crumbles.

Winner: Panthers starting cornerback duo

While the offense struggled to generate any positive momentum, there were some encouraging signs from the first-team defense. In particular, the starting cornerback duo of Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr.

Horn and Jackson emerged as one of the best cornerback tandems in the league last season. They are fast, physical, and opportunistic. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud reportedly struggled to get anything going whenever they were locking people up, which bodes well for this tandem when the real action arrives.

Loser: Bryce Young, QB

With the offensive line constantly capitulating, quarterback Bryce Young was always fighting a losing battle in this one. He was under duress throughout, had almost no time to go through his reads, and made some questionable choices that the Texans' defense had no trouble capitalizing on.

This will no doubt have the knives out for Young, but pressing the panic button before the regular season is foolish. They need to improve, but the former Alabama standout proved last season that he can come through with the goods if his supporting cast meets their end of the bargain.

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