The Carolina Panthers will get their first test of training camp Wednesday and Thursday as the New York Jets, led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, roll into town for two joint practices.
While most eyes will be watching rookie quarterback Bryce Young and his command of the offense, there are other individual match-ups that will be intriguing.
DJ Chark vs Sauce Gardner
It didn’t take wide receiver DJ Chark and quarterback Bryce Young long to develop a connection. During the first week of practice the two connected on 35+ yard plays nearly every session. This week that vertical game will be tested against one of the best cornerbacks in the league and reigning defensive rookie of the year – Sauce Gardner. Last season just 45.9% of passes thrown to receivers Gardner covered were completed. Will the Chark to Young connection continue with arguably the best cornerback in the league lined up opposite of him. If it does, Panthers fans will have even more to be excited about.
Brian Burns vs Billy Turner
With projected starter Duane Brown sidelined with a shoulder injury, the Jets have 10-year veteran Billy Turner penciled in as the starting left tackle. Turner, who played three seasons in Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers, spent last year in Denver where he started seven games, but missed nine due to injury. For a good portion of the joint practice Turner will be lined up opposite of the Panthers’ best defensive player, Brian Burns. Burns, who is in the middle of contract negotiations, will be one of the top paid edge rushers in the league and with that distinction comes expectations. He should eat against Turner and/or right tackle Max Mitchell, depending on what side he lines up on.
Ikem Ekwonu vs Carl Lawson
The more time a quarterback has in the pocket, the more opportunities he has to slice up opposing defenses. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young will need as much time as possible as he gets acclimated to the speed and flow of the pro game. Tasked with protecting Bryce’s left side, Ikem Ekwonu’s growth from year one to year two will be a huge factor in the offense’s success. During the joint practices Ekwonu will get extensive reps against Jets’ starting edge Carl Lawson. Lawson, who had seven sacks last season after recovering from a torn Achilles the year before, says he’s feeling the best has had since his college days. Expect him to try and work Icky, who has no problem playing bully ball to protect #9.
