The Carolina Panthers have two preseason games out of the way already. The first one went much better than the second one, but preseason games are always unpredictable.
Before the Panthers even came to training camp, there were some obvious spots on the roster that seemed far from solid. The team got no production out of the tight end spot last year, and without any notable additions, many were rightfully worried about the position again.
The offensive line was another spot that looked questionable due to depth, and you could say the same about the edge rushers. Well, through two preseason games, some of those thoughts have changed, but some have only been reinforced.
Today, let’s talk about the three biggest problem areas on the roster through two preseason matches.
Tight End
© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
No surprise here, the tight end spot is still a big concern. Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans got to miss the preseason opener, but Ja’Tavion Sanders played. That’s not a good sign for the young tight end, who was once considered the future of the position in Carolina.
Sanders has fallen down to third on the depth chart, which is even worse when you realize the two tight ends ahead of him haven’t been good either. Tremble and Evans were quiet in the second preseason game, and the team is obviously worried about the position, because they just brought in Darren Waller.
If Waller can still be a solid red zone threat at least, this position might be okay. Early returns are not promising for the non-Waller options, though.
Offensive Line Depth
To be fair, not many teams would be sitting pretty with both starting tackles out. However, the tackles aren’t even the biggest concerns here.
The Panthers’ backup guards have been horrendous this summer. Chandler Zavala and Brady Christensen got bullied by the Bills, and nobody else has stepped up either. If either Robert Hunt or Damien Lewis has to miss time, this unit will be in serious trouble.
Rasheed Walker and Monroe Freeling look solid filling in as the tackles, but there’s no reliable depth behind him. If either player got hurt, the Panthers would probably have to turn to Stone Forsythe, who gave up more sacks than any tackle in the league last year.
Secondary
The secondary has been the most disappointing group through two games. The unit got toasted by the Cardinals’ backups and third stringers in the first game, and the Bills had no trouble over the weekend.
We haven’t seen enough from Chau Smith-Wade or Corey Thornton at the nickel spot. Nobody has stepped up to take Nick Scott’s job. Will Lee III had a good summer, but he hasn’t shown up in the exhibitions. This unit could be one injury away from being in bad shape.
