The Carolina Panthers’ first-team offense just gave us their second preseason look against the Buffalo Bills, and let me tell you, it was *not* pretty. We’re talking three drives, all three-and-outs, and a grand total of just 12 yards gained. Yeah, you read that right, twelve measly yards. It’s still preseason, so we shouldn’t overreact, but it’s fair to be slightly unsettled about an offense struggling with things that were already concerns before the season even kicked off.
Offensive Woes Are Getting Real
Look, even for early August, twelve total yards is a tough look. Bryce Young and the crew struggled big time with problems that were on everyone’s mind even before training camp. The offensive line couldn’t get any push in the run game, and Young himself didn’t even try to push the ball downfield. Seriously, not a single completed pass to a receiver in the passing game! That’s concerning, right? Especially when you’re heading into this Friday’s matchup against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that just completely suffocated the New Orleans Saints. The Saints didn’t even play their key starters, but the Jaguars’ D still forced three-and-outs and a fumble after giving up a quick score. The Jaguars will probably be playing closer to full speed this week, and the Panthers *have* to hope for a lot more than twelve total yards.
Searching for Silver Linings and First Downs
This Friday against the Jaguars is the Panthers’ penultimate preseason contest, which means time’s running out to work out these kinks. What are we watching for? First off, can this first-team offense find *any* rhythm? Just one first down would be a welcome sight, honestly. We need to see some processes that can actually grow into solid regular season results, not just a whole lot of nothing. Beyond the overall offense, all eyes are on Jonathon Brooks. He didn’t get much room to operate in his debut, so it’s been tough to judge him. Hopefully, the offensive line can open up some lanes so we can really see what his explosiveness looks like, especially after he’s coming back from two torn ACLs. Talk about high stakes for a guy trying to prove himself!
The Wide Receiver Room Gets Crowded
And then there’s Ja’seem Reed. This dude is making a strong case for a roster spot in what was already a crowded wide receiver room. He’s been largely playing with the reserves, but he just keeps popping up as a playmaker. Last weekend, he snagged all three of his targets, including his second touchdown of the preseason! The big question is whether he’ll get any reps with the starters this Friday, and if he does, can he still find a way to earn those targets? The only hitch is he missed practice earlier this week, so his status for the game is still up in the air. But man, if he plays, he needs to keep showing that pop. You gotta earn that spot!
So, the Panthers have another chance to show *something* this Friday night against the Jaguars. They’ve got two more opportunities before the regular season crunch time. We need to see some progress, some pop, something beyond those twelve yards. It’s time for this offense to start gelling, even in preseason, or those concerns are going to turn into full-blown panic when the real games begin.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Cat Scratch Reader.
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