Preseason Game #2 - who impressed/who disappointed

[TheSpecialJuan]

Loser No. 1

Matt Corral - Carolina Panthers QB

Bryce Young played a little longer than his debut against the New York Jets last weekend. However, the Carolina Panthers gave Matt Corral the large majority of snaps once they'd seen enough from the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Corral is auditioning for a roster spot either with the Panthers or elsewhere. But after another subpar display overall, it doesn't seem likely that Carolina is going to get any decent compensation for a player they traded up to acquire in last year's third round.

There was just something missing from Corral's production at MetLife Stadium. His lack of confidence in the pocket was notable and although things gradually improved as the game went on, Carolina didn't truly come to life until Jake Luton took over under center.

The former Ole Miss sensation finished the night by completing nine of 13 passes for 71 yards and 13 rushing yards from one carry. Corral didn't throw a touchdown or interception, was sacked once, and secured an 82.5 passer rating as a result of his efforts. It's so hard to predict Corral's future right now. The Panthers could take three quarterbacks onto the roster, but there's also a chance he's traded for minimal compensation or perhaps even released entirely.

Loser No. 2

Ikem Ekwonu - Carolina Panthers OT

This is the second time in as many weeks that offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu has found himself on the wrong side of this particular list. But again, there's no reason to press the panic button just yet despite another disappointing performance from the former first-round selection.

Ekwonu was once again sluggish in pass protection and isn't quite there mentally right now. There's still time to clean things up before Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons arrives, but the North Carolina State product needs to buck up his ideas quickly looking at his body of work over the two warmup games so far.

Nobody is doubting Ekwonu's credentials. The left tackle proved as a rookie that he has what it takes to be the shutdown blindside protector the Carolina Panthers have craved since Jordan Gross, which is exactly why the edge presence is being held to a much higher standard than most.

The Panthers now have a franchise quarterback to protect, which makes Ekwonu's role all the more pivotal. His athletic traits are absolutely off the charts, so these two preseason games are more than likely a blip rather than something that could develop into a long-term complication.

[TheSpecialJuan]

https://www.panthers.com/news/snap-counts-week-2-preseason

• Bryce Young took 10 more snaps against the Giants (21) than the 11 he saw against the Jets, and that's a natural product of finding more success moving the ball downfield Friday. Matt Corral led the way in quarterback usage once again, though his workload went down (51 percent this week after taking 77 percent last week). With Andy Dalton out, the Panthers got some work in for Jake Luton, who took 10 snaps at the end of the game after not receiving any against the Jets.
• Raheem Blackshear got the most snaps of the running backs, recording 23 compared to Spencer Brown and Chuba Hubbard's 20 snaps apiece. Blackshear was also the first Panther to find the end zone this preseason. Brown led the group last week while the Panthers continue to evaluate their depth there.
• Rookie guard Chandler Zavala worked only with the first-team offensive line at right guard, recording the same share as Ikem Ekwonu, Brady Christensen, Bradley Bozeman, and Taylor Moton while blocking for the ones. They took a committee approach with that spot last week, switching that strategy in favor of continuity against the Giants.
• Michael Jordan didn't slot in with the first team at right guard this week, but he did get a lot of work with the backup line combinations Friday. He and rookie tackle Ricky Lee, likely getting an extended look in Cameron Erving's absence, recorded the most offensive snaps of anyone. Wide receiver Javon Wims and rookie tackle J.D. DiRenzo round out the Panthers who played more than 50 percent of the offensive snaps.

[TheSpecialJuan]

• The Panthers gave most of their starting defensive front the night off, as Brian Burns, Justin Houston, and Derrick Brown didn't play against the Giants. That created more opportunities for Raequan Williams, who played 31 snaps Friday and capitalized on the opportunity with four tackles, one sack, and two quarterback hits.
• Amaré Barno and Kobe Jones saw extended work at outside linebacker without Burns, Houston, and Marquis Haynes Sr. on the field. They saw 36 and 34 snaps, respectively.
• Rookie cornerback Mark Milton recorded the most defensive snaps of the night (45) while the Panthers continue to explore depth options there. He was also on the field for eight special teams snaps.

[poundaway]

16 hours ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

also DNewton at it again 

https://x.com/dnewtonespn/status/1692725933763915916?s=46&t=xeIgh_-Vr2aKxBkBJdfnKA

 

LOL.  We play the Giants again?  LOL

 

[TheSpecialJuan]

Best and worst PFF grades from Panthers' preseason loss to Giants

https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/lists/panthers-giants-preseason-best-worst-pff-grades-bryce-young-raheem-blackshear-vonn-bell/

[TheSpecialJuan]

Just now, TheSpecialJuan said:

Best and worst PFF grades from Panthers' preseason loss to Giants

https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/lists/panthers-giants-preseason-best-worst-pff-grades-bryce-young-raheem-blackshear-vonn-bell/

Best of the offense

1. WR Gary Jennings: 83.0
2. RB Raheem Blackshear: 82.6
3. WR Shi Smith: 76.3
4. QB Matt Corral: 75.5
5. TE Ian Thomas: 73.0

[TheSpecialJuan]

Worst of the offense

28. WR Jonathan Mingo: 51.4
29. QB Bryce Young: 49.4
30. C Justin McCray: 48.8
31. RB Spencer Brown: 46.4
32. TE Tommy Tremble: 44.7

[TheSpecialJuan]

Worst of the defense

30. LB DJ Johnson: 49.7
31. LB Frankie Luvu: 44.7
32. CB Mark Milton: 43.2
33. LB Amaré Barno: 42.0
34. S Josh Thomas: 40.4

Barno followed up an impressive preseason opener with a bit of a stinker by PFF’s standards. The speedy pass rusher was charged with a missed tackle (shoulda been sack) and a 9-yard reception.

[TheSpecialJuan]

Best of the defense

 

1. S Vonn Bell: 86.8
2. LB Ace Eley: 86.7
3. S Jammie Robinson: 80.3
4. DB Jeremy Chinn: 79.7
5. DT Marquan McCall: 79.2

Headlined by his crushing hit on Giants tight end Darren Waller, Bell leads the pack. He also earned an 80.6 grade in tackling and in coverage.

[TheSpecialJuan]

- Starting out the battle was rookie Chandler Zavala, who played each of his 21 snaps from the spot—exclusively with the first-team offense. He, per Pro Football Focus, allowed zero pressures over eight chances in earning a 51.4 pass blocking grade.

- But it may have been Zavala’s fellow rookie who looked a bit better at the position. The undrafted Nash Jensen also took each of his snaps (22) at right guard while registering zero pressures and a team-best 83.3 pass blocking mark.

https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/lists/panthers-giants-preseason-snap-counts-chandler-zavala-nash-jensen-shi-smith/

[ForJimmy]

Nobody is doubting Ekwonu's credentials. The left tackle proved as a rookie that he has what it takes to be the shutdown blindside protector the Carolina Panthers have craved since Jordan Gross, which is exactly why the edge presence is being held to a much higher standard than most.

The Panthers now have a franchise quarterback to protect, which makes Ekwonu's role all the more pivotal. His athletic traits are absolutely off the charts, so these two preseason games are more than likely a blip rather than something that could develop into a long-term complication.

People on here need to read this part again and again....

[ForJimmy]

5 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

- Starting out the battle was rookie Chandler Zavala, who played each of his 21 snaps from the spot—exclusively with the first-team offense. He, per Pro Football Focus, allowed zero pressures over eight chances in earning a 51.4 pass blocking grade.

- But it may have been Zavala’s fellow rookie who looked a bit better at the position. The undrafted Nash Jensen also took each of his snaps (22) at right guard while registering zero pressures and a team-best 83.3 pass blocking mark.

https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/lists/panthers-giants-preseason-snap-counts-chandler-zavala-nash-jensen-shi-smith/

Jensen played against lesser talent probably, but I think he can develop into a nice depth player possible starter down the road which is great for an undrafted rookie.

[TheSpecialJuan]

3 minutes ago, ForJimmy said:

Jensen played against lesser talent probably, but I think he can develop into a nice depth player possible starter down the road which is great for an undrafted rookie.

We may keep Jensen instead of vet Justin McCray. McCray was terrible yesterday but has value due to his experience and the fact he can backup Bozeman at C. I'm thinking this is the reason we keep playing Cade Mays at C to see if he can be a viable backup.

[ForJimmy]

3 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

We may keep Jensen instead of vet Justin McCray. McCray was terrible yesterday but has value due to his experience and the fact he can backup Bozeman at C. I'm thinking this is the reason we keep playing Cade Mays at C to see if he can be a viable backup.

Cade Mays played decent last year when he filled in.  Plus like you stated he can play all positions on the OL.  He should be retained IMO.