Panthers take on Jets in Preseason Game #2

by Sharon Thorsland

The Panthers play their lone preseason home game on Saturday night, taking on the Jets at

Bank of America Stadium. The teams already faced off on Thursday in a joint practice, and

the Panthers held their own against the NFL’s second ranked defense of 2023.

The Panther defense also played well against future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers and

company, and got some invaluable experience. “I thought it was really good,” said defensive

coordinator Ejiro Evero. “Just going against Aaron Rodgers, that level of communication and

having to disguise everything and really be on point with what we’re doing. Because any

weakness, anything that’s not right, he’s going to point it out. That was great, great work, and

very invaluable for us.

The Panthers will get more great work Saturday night, although it’s likely not many starters

will be on the field for either team. So instead of Rodgers, the Panthers will be facing veteran

Tyrod Taylor and a trio of young quarterbacks, including rookie Jordan Travis, the 2023 ACC

player of the year out of Florida State. Star receiver Garrett Wilson is also not expected to

play, but keep an eye out for rookie Malachi Corley, who has been turning heads in camp.

The Jets ground game is anchored by third year player Breece Hall, who returned last year

from a torn ACL and picked up 1,585 scrimmage yards, that was fourth in the league. The

Jets have a pair of promising rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, they’re both big,

physical backs and will be a good test for the Panther defense that struggled against the run

last season.

Stopping the run was no problem for the Jets last season, and they were even better against

the pass ranking second in the NFL allowing just 168 passing yards per game. The secondary

features 2022 defensive rookie of the year Sauce Gardner, who is an elite cornerback. Up

front it’s star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. The Jets brought in former South Carolina

standout Javon Kinlaw and drafted Braiden McGregor to shore up the pass rush. Veteran C.J.

Moseley starts at middle linebacker, and keep an eye out for former Tar Heel Chazz Surratt.

Facing this Jets defense, no matter who is on the field, will be a great test for the Panthers,

especially the younger guys like rookie quarterback Jack Plummer and receiver Terrace

Marshall, Jr., who made several impressive catches against the Jets on Thursday.

The goal Saturday is to keep the momentum going and give coaches a chance to evaluate

guys, no matter who is on the field. “We feel like we went out there (Thursday) and showed all

the work that we’ve been putting in in camp,” said Marshall. “We’re just happy to see the

success that we had, and we have to keep moving forward”.