The Carolina Panthers managed to put together a pretty dominant preseason performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. More importantly, it was the response head coach Dave Canales needed to see after last weekend's debacle versus the Buffalo Bills.
As expected, the starters didn't play much. The Panthers got some valuable work into their fringe players, which will serve general manager Dan Morgan well in his ongoing assessments. There were a few who caught the eye, enhancing their hopes of making the team or increasing their responsibilities when the real action arrives.
With this in mind, here are five winners and one loser from Carolina's preseason triumph over Jacksonville at Everbank Stadium.
Winners and losers from Carolina Panthers' preseason success over the Jacksonville Jaguars
Winner: John Metchie III, WR
The wide receiver room is a competition at the bottom end. Debates remain rife among the fan base, and the fine margins will be decisive. In Carolina's preseason win over the Jaguars, it was John Metchie III who arguably made the strongest case.
Metchie came up with big plays consistently, securing six receptions from seven targets for 77 receiving yards. His long of 25 yards was encouraging, and his previous connection to Bryce Young from their time together at Alabama might be enough to see his name on the 53-man roster.
Winner: Chau Smith-Wade, CB
Chau Smith-Wade once again made a statement. Aside from getting outdone by a nasty juke, it was a pretty positive evening at the office for the Washington State product.
Smith-Wade still has trouble with the physical aspect of the game, but his anticipation is first-class. He secured a stunning interception and looked assured against the pass, cementing his place on the team. Whether that's in the nickel cornerback or as a coverage safety is another matter.
Winner: A.J. Dillon, RB
With Chuba Hubbard still dealing with an injury, the Panthers may end up taking four running backs onto their roster. And veteran A.J. Dillon has done more than enough to go through.
Dillon is an aggressive, physical runner. His pass protection is on point, and he is becoming an asset in the passing attack. The free-agent signing's aggression in short-yardage situations is another big positive, and even though Trevor Etienne is also performing well, he's done his chances the world of good.
Winner: Jackson Kuwatch, LB
While all the focus centers on Claudin Cherelus and Trevin Wallace for the LB2 spot, the flashes from seventh-round selection Jackson Kuwatch remain encouraging. He is not the finished product by any stretch, but there could be a spot for him as a core rotational piece.
Kuwatch is recognizing plays well. He does well in pursuit, and his tackling technique wraps up oncoming runners well. It's still early in his development, but the early signs are promising.
Loser: Corey Thornton, CB
After a strong start over Carolina's early offseason workouts, things have reportedly tailed off over the summer for Corey Thornton. He's being outperformed in pursuit of becoming the starter at nickel cornerback, and even though he should still make the team, his reps on the defense rotation may now be in jeopardy.
Thornton has looked exposed in coverage. That proved to be the case once again against the Jaguars, and there is just no telling where things go from here. Â
Winner: Jimmy Horn Jr., WR
As previously mentioned, the Panthers have some big decisions to make in the wide receiver room. But after a standout training camp and preseason, Jimmy Horn Jr.'s place on the squad is all but assured.
Horn is versatile, elusive, and explosive. There is clear progress as a route runner, and his ball skills have also improved considerably. It would be wise for new play-caller Brad Idzik to find ways to get him onto the field.
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