There’s little doubt the worth of preseason soccer has been vastly diminished in recent times. Groups are extra cagey than ever about displaying their offensive and defensive tendencies on movie for opponents — with joint practices changing into the league’s de facto technique for truly putting in schemes. Regardless of these modifications, it’s weird to see a group punt on all the preseason program, however the Carolina Panthers are doing simply that.
For the second straight week the Panthers rested all their vital starters in opposition to the Jets of their preseason sport. This got here after first-year head coach Dave Canales rested his starters in Week 1 of preseason in opposition to the Patriots. Whereas the vast majority of the league is utilizing this time to present their first group a minimum of some live-fire reps, Canales and the Panthers are transferring ahead taking part in their depth, as in the event that they’re a lock playoff group without having to judge its roster.
It’s tempting to get misplaced within the thought that is hubris, and whereas it definitely doesn’t provide a lot in the way in which of anticipation or pleasure for followers, there are a couple of components to think about earlier than fully diving into the deep finish of rookie coach naivety.
The Panthers have had a actually good coaching camp
It’s comprehensible that there hasn’t been a lot consideration on the Panthers at a nationwide degree. They weren’t simply the worst group within the NFL a yr in the past, however didn’t have a top-3 choose to observe in camp. Because of this they have been largely ignored, which the group has kind of used to its benefit.
Bryce Younger had extra good days than dangerous as Carolina put in Canales’ new-look offense, kind of the identical scheme that allowed Baker Mayfield to soar in Tampa Bay a yr in the past — and whereas there have been incremental enhancements, it wasn’t till the joint apply classes with the Jets that Carolina started to uncork its true offense.
The outcomes have been beautiful. Even with out Diontae Johnson or Xavier Legette, each of whom have been sidelined with minor accidents, Bryce was on-point in opposition to the Jets 1st group protection, connecting on two landing passes with out turning the ball over, and displaying on a brand new arsenal of passes he didn’t have an opportunity to throw in 2023.
This was a apply that ought to have been ugly for Carolina. Boasting one of many league’s worst offenses in opposition to a top-tier protection ought to have led to quite a few ugly performs and forgettable moments. Nonetheless, the was Younger and Co. thrived confirmed that there would possibly actually be one thing right here since Canales’ arrival.
Which leads us to …
The shock issue
Everybody within the NFL is attempting to cover their true intentions proper now. It’s for that reason you’ll typically hear preseason offenses known as “vanilla,” utilizing solely essentially the most primary ideas with none of the sizzle.
From what we find out about Canales he’s a confidence, vibes-based coach who’s not fully dissimilar in demeanor to Mike McDaniel of the Dolphins. To this finish there’s worth in retaining his starters underneath wraps till Week 1 of the common season, particularly contemplating there’s a have to get off to a sizzling begin.
The Panthers open their 2024 season in opposition to the Saints, Chargers, and Raiders. Three groups the Panthers ought to be capable to compete in opposition to. It’s not till Week 4 vs. Cincinnati that Carolina sees an opponent they shouldn’t have an opportunity in opposition to.
This implies there’s a particular line of logic that dictates the Panthers hold as a lot hidden as doable, solely revealing their true beginning offense when the video games matter. If apply has been going nicely and the teaching workers feels there’s little they will be taught by “going vanilla,” then this might truly work.
The Panthers’ depth is a nightmare
If you happen to take a look at Carolina’s depth chart it’s truly not a complete mess — till you get to the second unit and past. Years of dangerous back-end drafting has left the depth in tatters, and there’s no room for the Panthers to lose a key starter or two earlier than the common season.
The one place the Panthers may arguably lose a participant with out lacking an excessive amount of is security, the place they’ve extra expertise than they know what to do with. Exterior of that this group is a home of playing cards attempting to keep away from a stuff breeze.
So, as soon as once more, if the Panthers teaching workers is assured within the group then there’s nothing they will garner from preseason.
Regardless of the explanations these choices make sense, it’s nonetheless unconventional
There are apparent excuses we are able to make for the Panthers sitting their starters in preseason, however that doesn’t cease it being actually odd for a nasty group to be doing this. Stay snaps are nonetheless stay snaps, and it may depart the group unprepared for the common season.
It’s a daring method by Canales that might both lead to a wholesome Panthers beautiful the NFL world and making an influence instantly, or sucking out loud and discovering themselves in a gap.
Because it stands Bryce Younger is being handled like a prime quarterback who doesn’t want his reps. We’ll see if this perception is warranted when Week 1 rolls round.
