Training camp for the Carolina Panthers is in the rearview mirror after their joint practice session with the Houston Texans. Unfortunately, head coach Dave Canales will be throwing this session into the trash can as a learning experience.
The Texans dominated joint practice. Their top-ranked defense tormented the Panthers' offensive line and quarterback Bryce Young. The defense was a "bend, don't break" unit, but could've been better against C.J. Stroud and Houston's offense.
Carolina has now played two great teams during joint sessions in back-to-back weeks. After last week's inconsistencies, the question arises: are the Panthers as good as many thought they would be before the regular season?
Carolina Panthers' joint practice gut-punch leaves more questions than answers
In all fairness, some performances this preseason have been affected by injuries.
Canales and general manager Dan Morgan have seen their offense deal with ailments throughout training camp, including before the season. Their top two offensive tackles — Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu — are out for the foreseeable future.
Not to mention the defense losing starting edge rusher Nic Scourton on the first day of training camp.
There are other concerns on the roster, including a lack of adequate guard depth, no clear separation for the second inside linebacker spot between Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus, and uncertainty at tight end despite Darren Waller's arrival.
There's a good argument that they went 0-2 in their joint practices with the Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars, which some players believe is more important than a preseason game. For a team like Carolina with playoff aspirations and a quarterback needing a big year for a new contract, that's not an ideal situation.
Last year, the goal was to compete and be in the mix for a playoff spot in December. They did just that, though this preseason and training camp may have shown they haven't advanced enough, especially with a first-place schedule ahead.
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Stagnation is certainly possible if the offensive line shows little improvement from last year. Unless improvements are made, it may even put offensive line coach Joe Gilbert on the hot seat.
With that said, the last two weeks have been a test for the Panthers, revealing where they are and how much they can grow. It may not seem like it after a lopsided practice in Houston, but Canales said it was exactly what the team needed to see.
"It's been a lot of great, great film out there to watch, a lot of stuff to grow from, all of us, myself included; there's a lot of great, great lessons out there. So, it's not fun on a day like this, but that's a challenge for us now, making sure we're watching the film, know we can grow from it, and that's the game.
"That's the sport; they got after us today, but I'm super excited and grateful to be part of this offense."
What people may not understand about joint practices is that there are no scripts and no game planning in a practice session against a legitimate opponent, not your own team. If this were a regular-season game, the results may have been different.
At the same time, if the Panthers want to take the next step, they have to show more versus others looking to go deep into the postseason.
The offensive line must perform better, especially at both tackle spots and center. The defense must do the same. Young must be better as well.
Week 1 is now on the immediate horizon. It is time for the Panthers to start hot, with a tough road ahead this season.
Let's see if they can pick things up.
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