Training camp for the Carolina Panthers ended Thursday as the final practice session was rained out. The Panthers were scheduled for their second joint practice against the New York Jets.
Panthers-Jets Joint Practice Review, Preseason Week 1 Preview
The highly anticipated joint practice was underway Wednesday with more than 10,000 fans in attendance. There are more cameras and press than usual as HBO’s Hard Knocks is covering the Jets throughout training camp. Even with more eyes on the practice field, the Panthers continued to impress against the highly talked about Jets.
No one shined brighter for Carolina than Brain Burns. Amidst contract extension discussion, Burns has stayed on the field, unlike his counterpart Nick Bosa.
“I got a season to prepare for, so me sitting now or not being here wouldn’t do me or the team any good,” Burns said. “Like I said, I’ve got big things to accomplish, and I believe in this team. And I’m a big piece of that, so I can’t miss. I’ve got things I want to do, so me sitting out – I’d be a lot worse than what you see today if I wasn’t here.”
Burns’ impact on the field has been like no other, as the Panthers pass rush forced the Jets into multiple three-and-outs in joint practice. His speed rush and counters made him look unblockable against the Jets, and his performance raised questions about New York’s pass protection.
This Brian Burns spin move 😮💨
(🎥 @Panthers)
pic.twitter.com/ukO8Iw9tJL— PFF (@PFF) August 9, 2023
The Panthers pass rush will continue to improve with the recent signings of Deion Jones and Justin Houston. Both signed one-year contracts as the Panthers front office is building a win-now team in 2023.
On the opposite side of the ball, Bryce Young excelled against a stout Jets defense. Young finished the day 14 of 22 passing and only threw one deflected interception. Throughout practice, Young looked inside the numbers with deep completions to Jonathan Mingo.
After practice, Aaron Rodgers showed his confidence in Young’s future.
“I love the kid,” Rodgers said. “Carolina’s in good hands.”
Preseason Week 1 Preview
After joint practice, the Jets will likely rest veteran starters, while the Panthers will play most of their starters. This is due to implementing new schemes and accumulating as many meaningful reps as possible. Frank Reich revealed that Andy Dalton is not expected to play as he wants Matt Corral to have the majority of snaps. Reich also expects Miles Sanders not to play because of a groin injury he suffered at joint practice.
With all eyes on the ones for the Panthers preseason opener, the main focus for the coaching staff will be the performance of the twos and threes. Having to cut the roster down from 90 to 53, that’ll be the true test for those battling for a roster spot. With most training camp reps going to the starters, the preseason will provide potential bench and practice squad players with the most reps they’ve seen.
“I just want those guys to get in there and get some reps,” Reich said. “We just feel like we’re at a different stage. A lot of teams won’t play their starters in preseason. Listen, we’ve talked as a team from the very beginning and said, hey, we’re, you know, we’re going to play in the preseason; we talked to the guys about that upfront. And just so that everybody would understand what’s ahead of us, and just how it’s necessary for us to do that new schemes, new coaching staff, young team. And plus, we start the year off with two division opponents, so we’ve got to get ready to go.”
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon – USA Today Sports
