After getting preseason off to a good start, the Carolina Panthers were brought crashing back down to earth with a humbling loss to the Buffalo Bills in the first-ever game at Highmark Stadium. Even though it was only a warm-up clash, there is a lot to work on.
The Panthers were no match for Josh Allen early. Things improved slightly as the contest went on, but the interior trenches were lost. That is never a good sign, and head coach Dave Canales has a lot on his plate if Carolina wants to successfully defend its NFC South crown in 2026.
It wasn't all bad, though. With this in mind, here are four winners and two losers from Carolina's preseason defeat to the Bills.
Winners and losers from Carolina Panthers' preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills
Winner: Jaelan Phillips, OLB
Jaelan Phillips was the Panthers' biggest priority in free agency, giving him a $120 million contract with $80 million guaranteed to seal the deal. Based on his initial showing against the Bills, it's not hard to see why.
Phillips proved a tough challenge to overcome. His speed around the edge stood out considerably, gaining a sack and looking like a player who could have a massive impact when the real action arrives.
Loser: Chandler Zavala, OL
The interior of the offensive line lacks sufficient depth. Keeping Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis healthy throughout the year will be integral, because the rest just don't look up to the required standard.
This was an afternoon to forget for Chandler Zavala. His recovery technique was poor, and he looked overwhelmed. It's starting to look like the 2023 fourth-round pick will never put it all together, and his status on the roster is far from guaranteed.
Winner: Devin Lloyd, LB
This was the first chance fans got to see Devin Lloyd in a game-day environment. And even though it was only brief, the second-team All-Pro linebacker left a positive mark.
Lloyd was around the action constantly. He blew up a couple of plays single-handedly, and the free-agent signing already looks comfortable within Ejiro Evero's defensive system. If the veteran wanted to leave a positive mark, he did that and then some.
Winner: Princely Umanmielen, OLB
It wasn't just Phillips who shone on the defensive edge. There was also a lot to like about the way Princely Umanmielen went about his business, with his explosiveness and quick bursts off the snap getting him into the backfield almost at will.
With Patrick Jones II not risked and Nic Scourton out for the season with a torn ACL, Umanmielen's importance to the plans increased exponentially. And if the same trend continues, a big year could be more than possible.
Loser: First-string offense
The Panthers' first-team offense was on the field for three drives. Nine plays, and no first downs. While the formidable guard tandem of Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis was sorely missed, fans wanted to see a little more momentum being built.
It was a little pedestrian, which is not surprising at this time of year. However, it might also provoke Canales to get them even more work during their upcoming preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Winner: Kenny Pickett, QB
Once Bryce Young went out of the lineup, it was Kenny Pickett's turn. And even though it was against Buffalo's second- and third-string defenses, the backup put together a pretty solid display overall.
Pickett looked confident, protected the football, and took what the defense gave him. He's firmly cemented into the QB2 role, and this performance was a big confidence boost.
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