Carolina Panthers Crushed Jaguars, But Here's What Really Matters

The Carolina Panthers easily handled the Jacksonville Jaguars in their third preseason outing to move to 2-1. Ordinarily, that result alone would be a good thing. But in the preseason, wins and losses don't matter, even if the Panthers happen to seemingly dominate. Here's what does matter, though.

Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan were on point

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) catches the ball during the first quarter | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan were a great duo last season. They terrorized the Jaguars in joint practice. They did it again in very sparse action in this contest, drawing a clear pass interference for a first down and making another big gain with McMillan working out of the slot. That gives the Panthers some interesting wrinkles to work with, especially after Chris Brazzell's injury.

The Panthers have a legit RB3 competition

We didn't expect AJ Dillon to make the roster, and he still might not. But he is making that a very hard decision to make. Trevor Etienne plays special teams, and that matters, but Dillon has been a force on the ground. He's been downright excellent as a backup, looking perhaps the best of all three main backs. He has potentially forced his way onto the roster, which is a huge achievement.

The guard play was much improved

There was plenty of concern over last week's poor offensive showing sans Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt. If that had continued with them back in the lineup, there would be some major offensive problems. Fortunately, with them back, the offense ran much smoother. Protection was still an issue, but it was much better, especially in the middle.

There's no good LB2 on the roster

the Panthers starting LB2 is not on the roster
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 22, 2026

The Panthers are having an LB2 competition between Claudin Cherilus and Trevin Wallace, and really, anyone could put their name in the ring. It's that open a competition. Tonight, without Devin Lloyd, was a good chance to analyze the contenders, and they were pretty much all bad. The Panthers don't need an ace linebacker there, but they don't have a starting-caliber player.

The back end of the WR depth chart is deep

Carolina Panthers wide receiver John Metchie III (13) prior to the game between the Carolina Panthers and Buffalo Bills | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Does it really matter if the Panthers have several players capable of being a WR4-6? Not really, because NFL offenses don't use them like that. Still, Jimmy Horn and John Metchie have looked very solid as special teamers and on offense, and Ja'seem Reed didn't play, but he's been great, too. There's some depth at the back end.

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