On Friday night, the preseason battles will continue—not only between the Carolina Panthers and the New York Giants, but between some Carolina Panthers and some other Carolina Panthers.
Let’s take a look at the four most intriguing position battles of the second exhibition of the summer:
QB: Matt Corral vs. Matt Corral
Last Saturday wasn’t exactly a pretty welcome for the 2022 third-round pick, who missed the entirety of his rookie campaign with a Lisfranc fracture.
Corral struggled early and often, failing to pick up a first down on his first three possessions. He was also responsible for two turnovers—a fumble and a late pick—in an offense that simply could not move the football.
The rough outing wasn’t too much of a surprise given his absence (and that offensive line). But Corral will need to show the Panthers something to warrant a roster spot.
WR: Jonathan Mingo vs. Laviska Shenault Jr.
With Terrace Marshall Jr. on the mend, the competition at receiver—or at least in terms of who starts alongside DJ Chark and Adam Thielen—has become more interesting.
Mingo, who was listed with the first team on the initial depth chart—got the nod last week. He did not see a single one of Bryce Young’s six attempts thrown his way.
He will be trying to fend off Shenault Jr., who could see some extra action in this one given his versatility. If he takes advantage of his chances and gives head coach Frank Reich an extra and different type of juice on offense, he may become a factor.
TE: Ian Thomas vs. Tommy Tremble
With Hayden Hurst firmly entrenched at the No. 1 spot, the Panthers are looking behind him on the depth chart as to which of these two tight ends can be, well, their No. 2.
While Thomas seems to have the upper hand as a solid blocker and a good enough playmaker, Tremble possesses the greater upside. Both are likely to make the starting roster—but if Tremble can make some big plays here and there, this coaching staff may need to reevaluate how they use him.
RG: Chandler Zavala vs. The field
The performance of the offensive line last week was . . . uh . . . less than stellar. They didn’t really give the coaching staff a clear answer at the right guard position either.
Zavala, who saw some first-team reps this week in practice, should get his first looks from the spot on Friday—especially with Cade Mays likely being held out due to a neck injury.
