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Carolina Panthers Preseason Report Card

By Luke Tucker

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 08: Taylor Heinicke #6 of the Carolina Panthers looks to throw a pass against the Chicago Bears during the second half of a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 08, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 08: Taylor Heinicke #6 of the Carolina Panthers looks to throw a pass against the Chicago Bears during the second half of a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 08, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Elijah Holyfield #21 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates a touchdown during their preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Elijah Holyfield #21 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates a touchdown during their preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Running Backs: B+

The Panthers have long-since been a run-first football team, and will continue with several backs getting a chance to prove their worth. Largely playing without Christian McCaffrey, the Panthers still managed to have a middle-of-the-pack rushing attack during the preseason. Rookies Jordan Scarlett and Elijah Holyfield were given opportunities to play, and they proved that they are physical runners, and improved on their pass-catching ability. Cameron Artis-Payne and second-year man, Reggie Bonnafon were impressive as pass-catchers. The preseason revealed that Carolina has several backs capable of backing up McCaffrey, however, none of them truly separated themselves from the rest of the bunch.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 30: D.J. Moore #12 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 30, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 30: D.J. Moore #12 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 30, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

Wide Receivers: B-

Thanks to inconsistent, and often poor, quarterback play, the receiving corps never truly got to show what it is capable of. Young players, DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel drew raves during camp, but neither had more than three receptions during the preseason. Bonnafon, despite being a running back, led the club in receiving yards. DeAndrew White played well in the preseason finale, totaling 94 yards and nearly breaking off a couple big ones. The Panthers are deep enough (and talented enough) at this position that Newton’s return could make this unit one of the league’s best.

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