Preseason games don’t count, but the snaps do. Just ask Bryce Young.
So, let’s see what we can take away from the Carolina Panthers’ snap totals from their loss to the New York Giants.
Finding the right guard
The right guard competition took another step forward on Friday night.
Starting out the battle was rookie Chandler Zavala, who played each of his 21 snaps from the spot—exclusively with the first-team offense. He, per Pro Football Focus, allowed zero pressures over eight chances in earning a 51.4 pass blocking grade.
But it may have been Zavala’s fellow rookie who looked a bit better at the position. The undrafted Nash Jensen also took each of his snaps (22) at right guard while registering zero pressures and a team-best 83.3 pass blocking mark.
Not so shy
Smith may be seizing the opportunity left behind by an injured Damiere Byrd.
The 2021 sixth-round pick played 31 snaps, the second-most amongst all Panthers wideouts. He turned those chances into a game-high 59 receiving yards on four grabs.
Pass-rush party continues
With Brian Burns and Justin Houston both sitting another one out, the Panthers gave plenty of chances to who may back them up.
Amaré Barno, a standout from the opener, got the starting nod. He stayed on for 34 snaps and registered a pair of pressures—one of which was nearly a sack.
Kobe Jones, who saw the most defensive snaps (41) last Saturday against the Jets, was on the field 34 looks on Friday. He recorded zero pressures and a stop.
