The Carolina Panthers had a productive week in New England, but were unable to leave Foxboro with a preseason win – falling to the Patriots 20-10. With many of the starters out, it was the second, third and fourth string players who got their chance to shine. Here’s the good, bad and promising from Friday night’s matchup.
The Good
The Panthers’ second team defense limited the Patriots’ first team offense to just three net yards in the first quarter on their first two possessions. Mac Jones and company did get it going in the second quarter with an 81 yard touchdown drive – spurred by a 45 yard pass from Jones to Nelson Agholor, but Carolina’s backup’s ability to limit New England’s starters is a good sign heading into the final preseason game.
“I thought the two defense did a really good job against their ones,” head coach Matt Rhule said after the loss. “They have a lot of good players. I thought there were a lot of things on defense that looked like we’d made improvement.”
The Bad
It was a rough night for quarterback PJ Walker, who finished with 8-15 for 107 yards – including two interceptions and a fumble in the end zone at that resulted in a game-sealing touchdown for the Patriots. Although the Panthers’ only offensive points came from a 55 yard field goal drive led by Walker, his three turnovers were costly to the team and for PJ, who is playing for a roster spot.
“Two bad throws that got away from me,” Walker said when I asked what was going through his mind as he left the field visibly frustrated. “With the situation that I’m in, I can’t afford to have those bad plays. “
The Promising
Linebacker Brandon Smith continued his impressive preseason play. The fourth round draft pick out of Penn State finished with five tackles, including one sack, one tackle for a loss and one quarterback hurry. It was a promising outing for young guy who looks to contribute in a veteran linebacker room.
The Honorable Mention
Former App State cornerback Tae Hayes scored the only Panthers’ touchdown on a pick-six late in the third quarter. It was a shining moment that not only had the sideline hype, but tied the game at 10-10 heading into the final period.