If you’re spending your Friday night watching preseason football, then you might as well watch it intently. So, which players are worth your attention?
Here are four Carolina Panthers to keep an eye on during Friday night’s clash with the New York Giants:
QB Bryce Young
The 2023 No. 1 overall pick is the most obvious, low-hanging fruit to pluck here. But if you’re not tuning in to watch him, then you’re just lying to yourself.
Between the “very generic” play-calling and very bad offensive line, Young was on a very short leash last Saturday. While he did flash that patented poise through piles of pressure, he was only on the field for three bland possessions—which resulted in four completions and 21 yards on six throws.
We’ll see if the rookie quarterback can roam a bit more this time out.
WR Shi Smith
Damiere Byrd may have been the favorite to stick to the backend of the receiver room given his prowess as a vertical threat and a returner. But with a hamstring injury landing him on injured reserve, there could be an opening for another wideout.
Smith, who carries a similar skill set to Byrd’s, should be right in the thick of that consideration. The 2021 sixth-round pick had Carolina’s longest reception of the preseason opener (20 yards), one he’ll look to build on at the Meadowlands.
G Chandler Zavala
After being sidelined for a chunk of the summer due to a hamstring tweak, the 2023 fourth-round pick has been picking up a considerable amount of work over the last two weeks. In fact, he saw the bulk of first-team reps at the right guard spot during Tuesday’s practice.
With Cade Mays likely out of this contest with a neck injury, Zavala may see the most action from the position. And if he shows up, especially following the disappointing performance from the offensive line last Saturday, the rookie will take a huge step forward in the ongoing competition to become Austin Corbett’s temporary replacement.
OLB Eku Leota
Not only did the Panthers allow a lot of pressure to the New York Jets, but they also couldn’t muster up much of their own. But this undrafted rookie was one of a few Carolina defenders who did.
Leota recorded two of the unit’s eight pressures in the opener. So with the battle off the edge behind starters Brian Burns and Justin Houston not really taking off, the summer standout could make his summer a whole lot better tonight.
