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Preseason Game #2 - who impressed/who disappointed


TheSpecialJuan
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8 hours ago, Jon Snow said:

I'm impressed by how fast this board turned on the coach and the team. I think it might be a record. 

Pendulum swing to how long we were patient with Rhule. The Rhule era made a big chunk of the fantasy cynical when it came to coaching 

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Impressed:

- DJ Johnson made that great 1 on 1 tackle, but also held the edge well, and just looks strong out there. 
 

- I think Brandon Smith makes the team based on special teams. Hopefully he develops this year, and can help on defense next year. 
 

- Wims looks good out there. He’s certainly earned Corrals trust. 
 

- Corral looked calmer and more confident. Unless he implodes next week, he’s on the roster. The arm talent and legs are too good to cut or stash on PS. 
 

- Mingo. His size and speed both look to translate easily to this level. 
 

Disappointed:

- YGM but at this point a good performance would be shocking.

- oline play in general. Makes everyone else hard to make an opinion of.

- Bryce Young’s physical traits, particularly his arm strength. Not writing him off, and his strengths should show once coaches gameplan, but Cam really spoiled us, much like Peppers spoiled us at end. Corral easily has a better arm and is faster. But I have to remind myself that number 1 is what’s between the ears. 

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Winner No. 1

Raequan Williams - Carolina Panthers DL

With Derrick Brown, Brian Burns, and Justin Houston sitting out the warmup contest, it was another chance for those lower down the pecking order to stake their claim. Raequan Williams fits into this category and after a strong training camp, the defensive lineman put together an eye-catching display at MetLife Stadium.

Williams was a constant menace at the line of scrimmage, generating push against the run and also showcasing his pass-rushing prowess to great effect. He even managed to generate a sack coming off a double-team, which won't have gone unnoticed by the coaching staff when they begin evaluations.

Winner No. 2

Shi Smith - Carolina Panthers WR

With Damiere Byrd on injured/reserve and Terrace Marshall Jr. facing several weeks on the sidelines with a back tweak, an opportunity knocked for another wide receiver to step up and potentially make a lasting contribution. Many thought that might be Javon Wims, but it was Shi Smith that seized the moment with the spotlight glaring at MetLife Stadium.

Smith came into the preparation period firmly on the roster bubble after some impressive acquisitions from the Carolina Panthers this offseason. The former sixth-round selection got his head down to perform well throughout camp and maximized the chance for significant involvement in Preseason Week 2 to further enhance his status.The South Carolina product finished the day with 59 receiving yards, bringing in four receptions from five targets. This was another big step in the right direction and something that might ensure Smith beats out other hopefuls to make the team.

Winner No. 3

D.J. Johnson - Carolina Panthers OLB

There were more than a few raised eyebrows when the Carolina Panthers traded up to acquire D.J. Johnson at No. 80 overall in the 2023 Draft. While his impressive physical attributes were worth gambling on, most fans and analysts felt this was a significant reach for someone with a consensus Day 3 grade.Johnson is a rough diamond after transitioning to the edge rushing position at Oregon. However, the Panthers' acquisition of Justin Houston should give the rookie a little extra breathing space to develop at his own pace during a crucial first season in a professional environment.

In fairness to Johnson, he's ignored all the criticism and focused on improving from the moment he joined the Panthers. This is starting to bear fruit in terms of on-field production if the player's performance at the New York Giants was any indication.

The statistics didn't exactly jump off the screen, but Johnson's contribution was impressive upon further examination. He set the edge well against the run and caused enough disruption in obvious pass-rushing situations to leave reasons for encouragement.This bodes well for Johnson in both the short and long term. There's a good chance he sees time on the defensive rotation given Houston's age and he might have even surpassed the likes of Yetur Gross-Matos on the depth chart already.

https://catcrave.com/posts/5-winners-losers-carolina-panthers-preseason-loss-ny-giants

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