Friday’s final dress rehearsal could mean the beginning of the show for some and curtains for others. And for general manager Scott Fitterer, head coach Frank Reich the Carolina Panthers, it’ll be the last chance to decide who of those players stay on their program heading into the fall.
Here are the top storylines for the all-important preseason finale:
Give Bryce a chance
Bryce Young’s highly-anticipated preseason debut was largely spoiled thanks to an overwhelmed offensive line, one that allowed a pair of crushing hits and a sack of the No. 1 overall pick. And while his protection held up a bit better in their second time out, we still couldn’t get a clear look at what the rookie quarterback can do from a clean and healthy pocket.
With Reich looking to play the starters at or around the same amount of snaps as their first two exhibitions, Young will likely be out there for two to three drives. So, can his hog mollies give him a chance to operate in a more normal, non-hectic situation?
Wide open opportunity?
Carolina’s wideout room is hurting right now. They’ve already lost Damiere Byrd, Terrace Marshall Jr. is still nursing a back injury, Laviska Shenault Jr. is currently in concussion protocol and DJ Chark just popped for a hamstring issue.
With so many men down and unlikely to suit up for this one, a few more should get a chance to claw their way onto the initial 53-man roster. Those guys include Shi Smith, Derek Wright, Javon Wims, Gary Jennings, C.J. Saunders and Josh Vann.
Rush hour
The team’s other big search for depth sits behind Pro Bowlers Brian Burns and Justin Houston—at the outside linebacker position. This’ll be a chance for those contenders to make their final cases.
Friday night may be a particularly important opportunity for Kobe Jones—who has played the most defensive snaps thus far (75), but has zero pressures to show for it. Additionally, Amaré Barno, the most productive pass rusher of the preseason for Carolina, could very well clinch his spot with another disruptive game.
