As a Carolina Panthers fan looking back on last week’s performance, I honestly cannot argue about much. Over 100 total yards on the ground, efficient passing through the air, including three TD’s, and a relatively clean sheet in terms of penalties. For the first preseason outing of the year, we looked pretty damned ready for the regular season, which isn’t something we are particularly used to seeing out of this team. But I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth on this.
Anyway, we now roll into country music heaven, aka Nashville, Tennessee where the Tennessee Titans await us. And of course, just because we had a workman-type of game last week doesn’t mean there isn’t some room for improvement. This game will prove to be a chance for several guys who shined last week to show they are not a fluke, and deserve a shot at a roster spot. For others, it will be a chance for redemption. With Training Camp 2017 in the books at Wofford, every snap becomes a priority for these young guys, and if last week was any indication, HC Ron Rivera seems to have everyone in the right football frame of mind. With that, here are some musings, observations, and general things to look for on offense this week.
- The Battle of the Wide Outs: It won’t be as exciting as the “Battle of the Bastards”, but it should be fun to watch nonetheless. One WR who seems to be winning the battle so far is Damiere Byrd, who had a rather stellar game, both on the receiving front and as a punt returner. With 4 catches going for 98 yards and 2 TDs (one of those a 50 yard bomb from QB Joe Webb), Byrd showed how versatile he might be for the team come September 10th, and that versatility pays huge dividends come cut down time. Another guy who shined when given the chance was Kaelin Clay, who only had 1 catch for 11 yards, but also returned punts pretty well and even took and end-around running play 18 yards. He is definitely making the case for the practice squad (PS) this year.
- Not all is sunshine though: It isn’t all unicorns and rainbows for the WR group though. Austin Duke had a rough game last week, dropping several passes and even got bailed out on what would have been a costly fumble were it not overturned on a review. He has a tall hill to climb to even be considered for much else at the moment. And I can’t mention sunshine without mentioning Ya Boi, Brenton Bersin. While he is still likely to make the team due to his familiarity with the offense, his injury is certainly a set back. However, this might give other guys the chance to prove their worth for the PS or other teams. On the bright side, at least Curtis Samuel is practicing now, so hopefully we will get to see him take the field.
- QB controversy??? Before you get all “keyboard warrior” on me, it isn’t what you think it is. In fact, it is many of you have already mentioned before, and it is the idea that Derek Anderson could be usurped by Joe Webb as QB2. Yes, it is true that Webb had a really awful INT last week, but apart from that, his game looked pretty good. He can still run for first downs, has decent pocket awareness, and as evidenced by the bomb to Byrd, can sling it downfield when necessary. Now, do I think they would cut DA? Nah, but Webb has always been pretty impressive in the preseason, and DA isn’t getting any younger. He is a great presence on the sidelines and probably in the film room. But on the field, he is showing some signs of age. Not saying he can’t do it anymore, but it is something worth keeping an eye on.
- So, how about that O-line? Gotta say, they looked impressive as an entire group last week. While the starting combo for week 1 is likely already set, our depth along the line appears to potentially be a strength, at least in this last game. Maybe the world won’t totally end if we have some minor injury issues up front. They will get a taste for the second straight week of a 3-4 defensive scheme with the Titans. If they can keep the momentum from last week, and roll that into the regular season, I think we will be just fine.
All in all, I’m mainly looking forward to seeing Byrd more incorporated in the offense this week. I would love for him to be able to replace some of the offense (hold the drops though) Ted Ginn took to New Orleans. Hopefully this one won’t be a snoozefest like the Titans’ first preseason game against the New York Jets was (a ridiculous 7-3 loss for the Titans).