As we transition from preseason to the regular season, the anticipation is intense. To help ease our nerves, let’s take a moment to review some key takeaways from the preseason as we prepare for the upcoming games.
Fair warning: I'm writing this article with an excitement I haven't felt in a long time, but one I had hoped would make a comeback eventually. In a stunning display of skill and grit, the Carolina Panthers finished their preseason igniting a wave of jubilation among the fans. From the first whistle to the final seconds, the team executed a flawless game plan, showcasing what we had all hoped to see.
Is Dave Canales and Dan Morgan's plan actually going to work?
While preseason started rough and we wondered if we would see payoffs from our investments, the team–and Dave Canales–finished strong!
As the new season begins, both Dan Morgan and Dave Canales are aiming to take the first step in their extensive plan to re-built this franchise. If there was only one thing they agreed on, they were going to get them some ‘dawgs’.
Stand out players:
Mike Boone- The latest addition to the backfield, wearing DeAngelo Williams’ iconic jersey number, is no mere coincidence. While much of the offseason focus has rightly been on the wide receivers, Mike Boone has proven his worth with his hard-hitting, downhill running style. His knack for charging through the line and find openings exemplifies the tough, relentless play that defines Panther football. While Mike Boone was released during roster cuts, the team anticipates bringing him back to the practice squad.
Jalen Coker- This kid exceeded all my expectations and then some. In the final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Jalen truly shined, completing all three of his targets for 55 yards and scoring a touchdown in the opening of the fourth quarter. His performance was electrifying to watch. At the current time, Jalen Coker has been selected for the Panthers initial 53-man roster.
Ja’Tavion Sanders and Jordan Matthews- Let’s face it: Carolina has struggled at tight end ever since Greg Olsen left. Fans have been hoping for a breakthrough from Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble, but it hasn’t quite happened. I was excited about the Ja’Tavion Sanders draft pick, and he’s been a standout in training camp. If you’ve seen him practice, it’s clear why. Bryce Young clearly has a strong connection with tight ends, and Jordan Matthews, formerly a solid wide receiver, has made a smooth transition to tight end. His maturity and reliability are exactly what Bryce Young needs right now. While Jordan Matthews was released during roster cuts, the team anticipates bringing him back to the practice squad.
Who stood out to you?
A Look ahead to Week 1 and Week 2:
Why focus on just the first two games? Because winning both would set us on track to surpass last year's record. First up are the New Orleans Saints, who, like us in Carolina, have significantly bolstered their offense. Could this lead to a showdown of offensive firepower? In week two, we face the Los Angeles Chargers, who also had a sluggish preseason start.
Bryce Young appears to be a transformed player this offseason. Known for his unwavering composure, he often seems unaffected by stress. His poise enables him to maintain full control of every situation. The goal has been to surround Bryce with the support necessary for his success, and it’s clear that all the strategic moves are starting to pay off.
What do you think, is it finally happening?
Images: Panthers.Com
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