Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines following the team's loss in Preseason Week 2 at the New York Giants?
It was another disappointing performance overall from the Carolina Panthers during their second preseason game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. While it's hard to gauge what to make of games like this with many starters and scheme concepts missing, the lack of cohesion at times was concerning and something that has to be cleaned up before Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons.
Of course, the news and rumors were plentiful surrounding the Panthers. Among the stories causing conversation include Bryce Young on doing more with less, Frank Reich's assessment, Ikem Ekwonu's potential, and Jaycee Horn's displeasure.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers HC Frank Reich's assessment
Starting the preseason 0-2 wasn't the ideal outcome for Frank Reich to begin his Carolina Panthers head coaching tenure. However, the results don't matter at this stage looking at the biggest picture.
It's a team game, obviously. But when probed about the performance of rookie quarterback Bryce Young, Reich seemed to be relatively pleased with his signal-caller's contribution before being taken out of the firing line based on his comments via David Newton of ESPN.
"I thought Bryce looked sharp. Put together a nice drive. Would have liked to have finished if off [with a touchdown]. Obviously, unhappy with the number of penalties we had. But I thought Bryce looked sharp. I think he wanted to throw the ball more, but I thought he looked sharp."Frank Reich via ESPN
Reich didn't divulge whether or not Young would play in Carolina's preseason finale against the Detroit Lions. But if their relatively relaxed practice schedule is anything to go off, he'll be on the sidelines as Matt Corral and Jake Luton take center stage.
Carolina Panthers OT Ikem Ekwonu's potential
It was another rough outing for Ikem Ekwonu in Preseason Week 2. While pressing the panic button just yet would be foolish, there are some things the first-round selection needs to tighten up before competitive action arrives.
Ekwonu is held to higher standards than most based on his status and how well he performed as a rookie. There's nothing to suggest he cannot meet lofty expectations, but his lack of consistency is something to monitor closely.
This is obviously overreaction season. Ekwonu still has a bright future, which is reflected by Keegan Abdoo from NFL.com naming the North Carolina State product as a primary breakout candidate in 2023.
"The first offensive tackle off the board in the 2022 NFL Draft looks to build off an impressive rookie season where he played every snap. According to Pro Football Focus, [Ikem] Ekwonu allowed a pressure on just 5.2 percent of his pass-blocking snaps, the third-lowest in a season by a rookie left tackle in the last decade. Despite Carolina bringing in a new coaching regime, Ekwonu will have continuity in his position room, as new head coach Frank Reich retained the offensive line coach from the last regime, James Campen. Campen praised his left tackle recently saying Ekwonu is “way ahead of where he was last year." Continued development for Ekwonu will be crucial for protecting the blindside of the Panthers’ undersized quarterback of the future, Bryce Young."Keegan Abdoo, NFL.com
Big things are expected of Ekwonu and he has to deliver. Otherwise, it's going to be another long season for the Carolina Panthers under their new coaching regime.
Carolina Panthers CB Jaycee Horn's displeasure
The Carolina Panthers' first-string defense didn't trot out Derrick Brown, Brian Burns, or Justin Houston for their second preseason game, which is understandable in the circumstances. However, it was alarming to see the New York Giants and quarterback Daniel Jones go down the field almost effortlessly for an opening touchdown to begin the contest.
While the scheme concepts remained vanilla, the Giants' offensive play-calling wasn't exactly creative and they still had their way. But again, there's no need to panic at this stage of the preparation period.
This was a sentiment echoed by Jaycee Horn, who stated via the team's website that the Panthers' defense remains in a good spot despite admitting that there are some elements of execution that need refinement.
"Really, just start faster. Have more urgency. Especially knowing we open up with two division opponents, so we're definitely going to get back and watch the film. I'm sure that's going to be a point of emphasis, to start fast. The last two games have been long drives. You never want that feeling as a starter, especially when you're not playing that many snaps. That's what I take from it. I think we're in a good spot. I think we've got some room to grow before we're at our best. But I think we're in a pretty good spot. We're starting to put things together. But we're getting one or two drives, and it's hard to gauge where we are as a defense off those one or two drives, though I'm sure that's what everybody's doing right now."Jaycee Horn via Panthers.com
Horn is right on all fronts because Carolina's defense is too talented not to impose themselves from the outset. Anything less wouldn't be doing justice to some outstanding difference-makers at Ejiro Evero's disposal.
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young's urgency
Bryce Young is a football savant that wants to be out on the field all the time. However, the Carolina Panthers are proceeding with extreme caution regarding their No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft to ensure he's ready to rock with no complications attached in Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons.
Young turned out for a couple of series against the New York Giants and looked decent enough. Even though it was a small sample size as the Panthers gave the majority of reps to Matt Corral and Jake Luton.
When asked about his limited involvement, Young gave a diplomatic response about doing more with less via USA Today Sports. This stems from developing the urgency needed to become successful during the regular season.
"It’s limited opportunities, but you gotta make those count. And I think just listening to coaches stressing urgency of every situation, every down. Again, you get a limited amount of reps in the preseason, but you have to make ’em count. And because of that, there’s a lot of emphasis, a lot of strain to be the best we can."Bryce Young via USA Today Sports
The former Alabama star is leaving a good impression during his preseason cameos. If the offensive line provides the consistency needed and the wide receivers also step up following the departure of D.J. Moore, it's hard to envisage a scenario where Young doesn't make a considerable impact right out of the gate.