{"id":143454,"date":"2023-08-06T19:55:54","date_gmt":"2023-08-06T23:55:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=143454"},"modified":"2023-08-06T19:55:54","modified_gmt":"2023-08-06T23:55:54","slug":"carolina-panthers-set-for-first-preseason-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/08\/06\/carolina-panthers-set-for-first-preseason-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Carolina Panthers Set for First Preseason Test"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Carolina Panthers ended their second week of training camp as they\u2019ll face a new test next week against the New York Jets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The First Upcoming Test<\/h2>\n

When the training camp schedule was released, it included two joint practices<\/a> against the Jets Aug. 9-10. Along with the joint practices, the Panthers will play their first preseason game against the Jets on August 12th on NFL Network. With HBO\u2019s Hard Knocks<\/a> following the Jets throughout training camp, the Panthers are expected to be included in the footage.<\/p>\n

Due to how several teams choose to sit starters in the preseason, it\u2019s likely that the Panthers true test against the Jets will come during joint practice. This will show where the Panthers line up against the rest of the NFL, as the Jets are hopeful for a Super Bowl run. So far, all training camp reps have been in an intrasquad competition.<\/p>\n

Panthers head coach Frank Reich spoke about<\/a> the plan for joint practice, but also wanting to prevent fights.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe good thing is with the Jets\u2014we\u2019re gonna work real hard the first day and the second day\u2019s gonna be much lighter,\u201d Reich said. \u201cA lot of times, the fighting comes the second day. That\u2019s been my experience, anyway. So we\u2019ll minimize the opportunity for that. We have a little bit of work with \u2019em. That second day, we\u2019re going to work together a little bit, but we\u2019re also going to work separately a little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bryce Young to See First Action<\/h3>\n

Reich on Sunday announced<\/a> that Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young would play in the preseason opener. While Reich revealed that Young would play, he didn\u2019t indicate for how long as decisions would be made at the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is flexibility in the plan,\u201d Reich said. \u201cThere has to be, right? That\u2019s just being smart about it. So, we have a general idea of how many plays we get through the whole preseason. But that can be adjusted by 10 or 20 percent depending on how things go.\u201d<\/p>\n

This will be Young\u2019s first in-game uniform appearance for the Panthers. While Young will need as much in-game experience as possible before his Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons<\/a>, the Panthers will be careful before throwing him out in harm\u2019s way. The joint practice sessions will prove so impactful because he\u2019ll be protected from meaningless hits. Young will be protected but also tested by a non-Panthers defense for the first time in camp.<\/p>\n

Whether Young is out on the field for 10 or 30 plays, the crowd will rejoice when No. 9 takes the field for the first time at Bank of America Stadium.<\/p>\n

[metabet_core_side_odds_tile query=”nfl\/bryce_young\/player_187773″ size=”350×300″ site_id=”lastwordonsports”]<\/p>\n

A Defensive End to the Week<\/h4>\n

To end the week, the Panthers defense has outplayed the offense for back-to-back days. The exclamation mark of the day came when the defense asked for an extra period at the end of practice. The additional period included red zone drills, with the defense shutting down the offense and ending practice with a sack.<\/p>\n

Another highlight came as cornerback CJ Henderson had his third interception of camp as he picked off Young in 7 on 7.<\/p>\n

\n

CJ with the take away \ud83d\ude24 pic.twitter.com\/Yz1fxi05aQ<\/a><\/p>\n

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 6, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n