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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: Tyler Matakevich #44 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tries to break up a pass to Jason Vander Laan #84 of the Carolina Panthers during their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Tyler Matakevich #44 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tries to break up a pass to Jason Vander Laan #84 of the Carolina Panthers during their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Tight Ends: B+

By far the biggest story line among Carolina’s tight ends was a healthy return of Greg Olsen. The three-time Pro Bowler saw his first game action since December 2 when the Panthers traveled to face the New England Patriots last Friday night. Including Olsen, the Carolina tight ends combined for 144 yards on 13 receptions and a touchdown. The tight end position should consist of Olsen, second-year pro, Ian Thomas, and Chris Manhertz, who is entering his third full season with the team.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Will Grier #3 of the Carolina Panthers watches on against the Pittsburgh Steelers during their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Will Grier #3 of the Carolina Panthers watches on against the Pittsburgh Steelers during their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line: C-

Out of 31 other teams, only two gave up more sacks than the Panthers did during the preseason. Carolina allowed 16 sacks in only four games, with one of them leading to Newton’s foot injury. On top of that, the team ranked in the bottom quarter of the league in yards per rush, in large part due to the lack of good blocking. Ron Rivera has expressed his disappointment with the offensive line this preseason, and if the Panthers want to succeed this season, this group is going to have to improve. Luckily, for Carolina, the pieces are there, they just need to improve the execution.

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