Who were the big winners and losers from the Carolina Panthers' disappointing shutout loss against the New York Jets in Preseason Week 1?
The Carolina Panthers weren't at the races whatsoever during their preseason loss against the New York Jets. Things looked disjointed, the execution was poor, and the energy was not in keeping with what unfolded throughout their recent training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg.
Frank Reich said after the game that there wasn't really a plan as such. The Panthers don't want to give their schemes away on tape before the regular season, which resulted in bland concepts and little in the way of imagination on both sides of the football.
Still, this is just the preseason where the results aren't important. But getting shut out is never easy to accept for a team that does have talent across the board.
With that being said, here are five winners and losers from Carolina's home defeat to the Jets at Bank of America Stadium.
Winner No. 1
Derek Wright - Carolina Panthers WR
As previously stated, the Carolina Panthers couldn't get anything going on offense more often than not. However, wide receiver Derek Wright caught the eye in pursuit of making the 53-man roster.
Wright is looking to go one better this time around after narrowly missing out last summer. He brought in all three of his targets for 35 receiving yards, showing composure under pressure and making a difference when called upon.
This should stand Wright in tremendous stead. But it's still going to be challenging to make the team considering the abundance of weapons at Carolina's disposal.
Loser No. 1
Ikem Ekwonu - Carolina Panthers OT
Ikem Ekwonu is going to be held to higher standards moving forward. He's the franchise left tackle - the man responsible for protecting quarterback Bryce Young's blindside - so it's absolutely essential the former first-round pick builds on a positive rookie campaign.
Ekwonu - much like many others on the offensive line - didn't cover himself in glory during the Carolina Panthers' loss against the New York Jets. The one-time North Carolina State product looked hesitant in pass protection, allowing Young to get hit, and never looked truly comfortable before the starting unit came out.
This is probably a blip rather than anything too much to worry about. Ekwonu started slowly last season going up against All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett before putting together an outstanding campaign, so expect the production to increase once things get more serious.
Still, this sort of performance was unacceptable. Young took his hits like a man and bounced right back up, but the Panthers cannot afford their new prized possession getting constantly blown up when one considers the durability concerns and slender frame.
Nobody will need to tell Ekwonu that he needs to be better. If anything, this should make the edge presence more focused on taking another leap forward heading into Year 2 of his professional career.
Winner No. 2
Amare Barno - Carolina Panthers OLB
The addition of Justin Houston only crowds the edge rushing room further heading into the new season. This raises the stakes considerably for those lower down the pecking order.
Much will depend on how many edge players the Carolina Panthers take through onto their 53-man roster. But looking at the current state of affairs, some tough cuts are coming for those in power.
One player that has a significant challenge ahead is Amare Barno. The former sixth-round selection flashed during extremely limited involvement as a rookie, but the new coaching staff seems to prefer others as Ejiro Evero transitions his defense to a creative 3-4 base.
Barno is looking to make the Panthers sit up and take notice throughout the preseason. He got off to a good start against the New York Jets, gaining Carolina's only sack and looking especially explosive getting off the block for good measure.
This is a huge confidence boost for Barno, but what comes next is more important. The Panthers need to see consistency from game to game - something he can accomplish by showing out at the New York Giants on Friday evening.
The Virginia Tech product can look back on his contribution in this one with real pride. Not many on the Panthers can say that.
Loser No. 2
Michael Jordan - Carolina Panthers OL
Many fans sighed when Michael Jordan was re-signed to a one-year deal just after the 2023 NFL Draft. The interior offensive lineman always seemed to struggle whenever significant responsibilities came his way since joining the Carolina Panthers, so not many were holding out hope he could galvanize himself in pursuit of securing a roster spot.
When Jordan was introduced into the lineup on Saturday, the trepidation was there for all to see. This was reflected in his nervous performance which didn't meet even low expectations.
Jordan just didn't look comfortable at any stage. He was beaten to the punch often on running downs and when it came to pass protection, the former Ohio State star was found wanting.
The likes of Cam Erving also struggled as anticipated, but nobody on the protection aside from perhaps Brady Christensen emerged with any credit. What this means for Jordan's future remains to be seen, but one would be hard-pressed to make a convincing argument he should be on the team after this.
Given the options available to the Panthers, Jordan might not even make the practice squad. The lineman has nobody to blame but himself - constantly spurning good opportunities under three different head coaches (Matt Rhule, Steve Wilks, Frank Reich).
It won't be much longer before Jordan is gone for good. How he responds in the next two weeks could define his NFL career prospects.
Winner No. 3
Donte Jackson - Carolina Panthers CB
Donte Jackson's quick return from a torn Achilles has been refreshing to see. The cornerback's worked exceptionally hard to put himself in a position to contribute right out of the gate, but the Carolina Panthers are still moving forward cautiously to ensure the former second-round pick is ready to rock in Week 1.
Jackson got to see the field on Saturday for 13 snaps against the New York Jets. This was a big-time win in itself, but it didn't look as if the one-time LSU stud had lost any explosiveness or athleticism despite the severity of his recent complication.
There was no hesitancy for Jackson, which is always half the battle upon returning from a long-term injury. He was vocal and aggressive, getting around the football consistently - which is a solid foundation from which to build.
The Panthers are going to rely heavily on Jackson next season. He'll be the outside cornerback starter opposite Jaycee Horn, with the improving C.J. Henderson also showing signs of life under the new coaching regime.
Carolina will probably keep the same approach where Jackson is concerned over the next fortnight before their highly-anticipated clash with the Atlanta Falcons rolls around. Whatever their doing has had the desired effect so far - something the Panthers hope can continue throughout the upcoming campaign and beyond.