It was a positive day's work for the Carolina Panthers overall.
The Carolina Panthers have been working exceptionally hard to right some wrongs over the summer. This is the first year of yet another rebuild under David Tepper's ownership and it must go well. While there were plenty of encouraging signs with a long-term plan in place, nobody knows for sure how things will pan out.
Carolina got the chance to showcase the improvements made under new head coach Dave Canales during a special joint practice versus the New York Jets. Fans were watching intently after the Panthers put up just three points in their preseason opener and went through some offensive complications in the practices leading up to their grand camp finale. They left Charlotte happy.
The Panthers were outstanding throughout. They were mentally ready to make an impact, playing fast and physically in all phases. Players took on the challenge of pitting their wits against a potential playoff contender exceptionally well. It was the most telling sign yet that things are trending in the right direction with Canales leading the charge.
With that being said, here are five winners and two losers from Carolina's joint practice against the Jets to conclude training camp.
Winners and losers from Carolina Panthers joint practice with the Jets
Winner No. 1
Trevin Wallace - Carolina Panthers LB
There were a few skeptics when the Carolina Panthers took linebacker Trevin Wallace with the No. 72 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Some fans thought there were more pressing needs that general manager Dan Morgan should have addressed. The front-office leader ignored them, seeing something in the explosive second-level presence that could potentially be molded into something more.
Wallace did his chances of prominent involvement right out of the gate a significant amount of good during joint practice with the New York Jets. The first-year pro looked more disciplined - especially in coverage when he picked off an Aaron Rodgers throw to the widespread adulation of those watching from the stands. He's also quick to the football in pursuit, which is something defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero needs within his creative 3-4 base scheme.
The former Kentucky star is still behind Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell in the pecking order. That said, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Evero allocate some starting reps in his direction this season depending on the schematic alignment.
Loser No. 1
Chandler Zavala - Carolina Panthers OL
If Chandler Zavala didn't have bad luck, he wouldn't have any luck at all.
The interior offensive lineman went through significant turmoil as a rookie through poor performance and an early injury that left him on the shelf long-term. Zavala's worked exceptionally hard to re-establish himself as a key depth piece this offseason, seeing plenty of snaps in the starting lineup when left guard Damien Lewis sat out. His performance in the Carolina Panthers' preseason opener at the New England Patriots left more reasons for encouragement.
All signs were pointing up for Zavala at long last. However, this came crashing to a halt after another injury issue occurred during joint practice with the New York Jets.
The former North Carolina State standout left practice on a cart with a hamstring problem. Head coach Dave Canales revealed it's concerning and Zavala is going to miss considerable time.
This is a body blow to the lineman, just when his prospects were looking a little brighter. It's yet another hurdle for Zavala to overcome. Hopefully, he will display the same determination that brought him back from the brink throughout Carolina's preparations for the 2024 campaign.
Winner No. 2
D'Shawn Jamison - Carolina Panthers CB
With veteran free-agent signing Dane Jackson sidelined for around six weeks with a hamstring issue, someone in the cornerback unit has to step up. The Panthers cannot rely solely on Jaycee Horn to get the job done. Opposing offensive schemes are too smart for that. They'll avoid the former first-round pick and target what they perceive to be a much weaker opposite side to gain yards through the air.
This is concerning for the Panthers. Their secondary isn't blessed with the greatest depth, especially on the perimeter. However, there's a lot to like about D'Shawn Jamison's growth over the final few practice sessions of training camp to potentially inspire more confidence.
Jamison's come into his own of late. The former undrafted free agent out of Texas seems more assured and ready to make an impression. There were times of slight struggle versus the Jets - especially when going up against stud wide receiver Garrett Wilson - but he didn't look out of place whatsoever.
His interception from legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers was another example of how far Jamison's come in a short space of time. If the same trend continues throughout Carolina's remaining preseason engagements, he'll be a lock to make the initial 53-man roster.
Winner No. 3
Terrace Marshall Jr. - Carolina Panthers WR
There's no denying it. Terrace Marshall Jr. was a man possessed during joint practice versus the New York Jets.
The wide receiver was nothing short of sensational from start to finish. This was a tough challenge against a vaunted Jets secondary boasting the likes of Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed. The former second-round selection had his way with anyone unfortunate enough to come up against him to continue his exceptional summer.
Marshall made big plays, demonstrated a fierce determination that was hard not to love, and dominated top-level opposition. It's in keeping with the way he's applied himself since Dave Canales took charge, but fans are waiting to see if he can take this newfound momentum into a competitive setting.
That's been Marshall's biggest question mark since joining the Carolina Panthers. Shining in practice is no problem, it's getting things done when things matter more that he's failed to accomplish over the last three years.
Terrace was in the end zone all day today pic.twitter.com/6CKUQAVqVX
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 15, 2024
This represents arguably the biggest confidence boost yet for Marshall. His roster spot looks secure. At the same time, there isn't much margin for error entering a contract year.
Winner No. 4
Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers QB
Bryce Young carries a hefty weight on his shoulders. The quarterback's come in for more criticism in recent days for subpar training camp performances. There's a nervousness surrounding the signal-caller among some fans considering the desperate need to bounce back. These fears were alleviated after a sterling effort against the Jets.
Young had a different mindset entering this one. He looked confident, controlled the line of scrimmage, and was efficient in throwing the football according to those in attendance. The former Alabama star took shots downfield with accuracy and made his red-zone opportunities count. This was exactly what fans needed to see.
Nobody is getting too carried away. That said, considering Young was without Pro Bowl wide receiver Diontae Johnson - who's quickly become his primary target in the passing game - this was incredibly encouraging. It's a solid platform from which to build as the Heisman Trophy winner looks to remind people why he was chosen No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
One could sense there was a visible weight lifted off Young's shoulders during his media availability after practice. He looked relaxed, assured, and like someone capable of taking this franchise where it wants to go. This will stand the Panthers in tremendous stead as they look to earn back respectability in 2024.
Loser No. 2
Chuba Hubbard - Carolina Panthers RB
Chuba Hubbard is the Carolina Panthers' primary running back heading into the season. It's a spot he's earned through gradual development and producing the goods when called upon. It'll be interesting to see how things pan out once rookie second-rounder Jonathon Brooks gets medically cleared following a torn ACL, but the former fourth-round selection is in the driver's seat right now.
Hubbard's joint practice against the New York Jets didn't go according to plan. He got blown up on a blocking assignment, sending him crashing to the ground and causing one of a few skirmishes between the two clubs throughout. There was also an injury concern to contend with, which is less than ideal at this late stage of preparations.
Chubba down after a hard hit. But is on his feet now #panthers pic.twitter.com/jcWOsUW6aS
— 2FansInTheStands (@2FansITS) August 15, 2024
The Oklahoma State product suffered a knee issue during practice. Canales stated the initial tests were positive, but fans will be waiting with bated breath until an official prognosis and potential recovery timeline become public knowledge.
Hopefully, this will be nothing more than a small bump in the road for Hubbard. The Panthers are counting on the backfield force to continue his recent encouraging trajectory and set the tone within Canales' run-heavy scheme - something that could potentially land the Canadian native a lucrative long-term deal along the way.
Winner No. 5
Dave Canales - Carolina Panthers HC
One could forgive Dave Canales for feeling a little inner nervousness before joint practice with the Jets. The head coach remains a beacon of positivity to his players and in front of the media. However, there have been slight signs of strain over the last week thanks in no small part to the offense not firing on all cylinders.
This was the litmus test to see how his teachings were bearing fruit versus legitimate NFL competition. Canales must have been thrilled overall with the way his players responded to the challenge.
They started fast on both sides of the football according to those watching from the sidelines. The Panthers were aggressive and disciplined in equal measure. Each player knew their responsibilities and performed them accordingly. There's a long way to go, but this was arguably the biggest positive since the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator took charge.
Canales is dealing with a few injury issues, so erring on the side of caution would be wise with just a few weeks remaining until Carolina's regular-season opener at the New Orleans Saints. But if the coach wanted vindication for the hard work he's put in to get this struggling roster up to the required standards, he got it.
