The Carolina Panthers head into Friday night’s preseason finale against the Houston Texans with the same kind of unfinished business that hangs over this stage every year: roster spots still up for grabs, roles still being sorted out, and the overriding goal of getting through the final week in one piece.
To get a clearer read on where Carolina stands, Toro Times spoke with Dean Jones, site expert for the Panthers’ Cat Crave, about five major questions surrounding the matchup and what comes next for the team.
One of the first topics was rookie receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., who has been labeled a “likely lock” for the 53-man roster. Jones didn’t leave much room for debate there.
“Not really sure. Jimmy Horn Jr. has earned his place; that's not up for discussion at this point.
With rookie third-round pick Chris Brazzell II out for the season and Xavier Legette dealing with a foot injury, his improved dependability could see him utilized as a gadget option capable of operating anywhere along the line of scrimmage or even in the backfield.”
John Metchie III came up next after his productive showing against the Jaguars, when he caught 6 passes for 77 yards. Jones pointed out that the bigger issue for Metchie may be whether he makes the roster at all.
“He's got to make the team first. John Metchie III is starting to find his groove, but he doesn't offer much special-teams value.
That might be the difference between him making the squad or not, but if he does go through, quarterback Bryce Young already knows how to get him the football.”
Bryce Young was another focal point, especially after Carolina’s last live action ended in a 34-31 playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Asked whether that finish could carry over into a quicker start this season, Jones said the schedule will be demanding but not impossible to handle.
“They've got a tough start again, but it's not impossible. Dave Canales has emphasized the need to start faster, which takes the pressure off later.
It will be difficult, but the Panthers proved last season they can match anyone, and they can do the same again.”
Jones was also asked whether Young has finally turned a corner and established himself as one of the better young quarterbacks in the league. His answer was a strong defense of the quarterback’s growth.
“Bryce Young gets harshly treated. People get too wrapped up in their pre-draft projections while ignoring his real growth over the last two seasons.
It wasn't easy to come back after being benched just two games into Dave Canales' tenure, but he's shown tremendous resolve, continues to improve, and has also found his voice as a leader. Young is nowhere near the finished product, but that's what makes this season so exciting with a big contract extension at stake.”
As for what Carolina needs to do to beat Houston on Friday night, Jones kept it simple and tied it directly to the preseason reality. “Who knows?
The Panthers aren't going to play anyone of significance, and most gaining the lion's share of snaps probably won't be on the team by Sunday. But if those who are right on the fringes can impress with a few big plays here and there, that could be enough.”
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