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Carolina Panthers First and Ten - Week Two

Ten notes and observations from Monday night's game against New Orleans.
Matt Alquiza|
Carolina Panthers First and Ten - Week Two
Carolina Panthers First and Ten - Week Two

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Carolina Panthers

Following each Panthers’ game this season we’re going to reset the chains and line it up on first and ten.

This will include ten things that I think are either interesting, cool, notable, important, or anything else that comes to my mind that is Panthers-related. It may also include things that other people care about, and are making a big deal about, that I want to pour some cold water on. Let’s get after it.

1. Target, meet Frank Reich’s back

It doesn’t take a trained eye to see that the Panthers’ offense has struggled mightily the first two weeks. The stats bear it out. Through two weeks the Panthers are 32nd in passing yards, 32nd in 20+ yard completions, 31st in quarterback rating, 32nd in points scored, and 28th in offensive EPA/play. In a league with 32 teams, that’s not great! Like we said in this space last week (and we probably will be saying all year) - we have to remember that it’s early. It’s a new coaching staff, a new quarterback, and a new era in Carolina. Success is going to take time. But according to Frank Reich, results are close, and they better show up quick with the Panthers already facing a two-game deficit in the division.

“Really I don’t believe it’s that far away. We make a couple plays here and there, and next thing you know you’ve got 28-30 points.” Instead of tempering expectations in his postgame press conference and doubling down on the company line of patience and growth, Reich was quick to say that points are coming. A matchup against Seattle’s porous defense may be the antidote the ailing offense needs, and if Reich is correct, we should see the scoreboard lit up on Sunday evening.

2. Sending good thoughts to Shaq Thompson

Shaq is really the last link to the past glory of the Carolina Panthers. Other than J.J. Jansen, Thompson is the only remaining starter from the magical 15-1 2015 season that Panthers fans hold so dearly in their hearts. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Thompson broke his fibula in the first quarter, and Reich confirmed postgame that Thompson’s injury was “significant.”

The ninth-year veteran has surely lost a step, but you can’t quantify the impact a seasoned veteran has on a young defense. Thompson was voted a captain by his peers, and his helmet donned the green dot as the defensive signal caller on the field. Losing Thompson hurts, but the next man up mentality is becoming the norm for this Carolina roster.

3. Frankie Luvu wreaked havoc all night

The defense racked up four sacks, six quarterback hits, one interception, and three straight hours of pressure on Saints’ quarterback Derek Carr.

Frankie Luvu contributed two of those sacks, and he was playing like a man with his hair on fire. Late in the second quarter, Luvu turned Saints offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz into a human-blocking sled on his way to the quarterback. Look at the speed, power, and determination Luvu shows in this play.

4. Kamu Grugier-Hill delivers on the training camp hype

If you scrolled Twitter any morning in August between the hours of 8-11 A.M., you probably saw a Panthers’ report praising the newly signed linebacker. It’s rare that a training camp superstar near the bottom of the defensive depth chart flashes in the regular season, but Grugier-Hill filled in nicely in his first consistent game action for the Panthers. His first sack since 2011 came on a third down and ended a Saints drive that gave the Panthers life. Grugier-Hill was brought in to be a special teams ace alongside Sam Franklin, but his presence on the defensive side of the ball is now incredibly necessary.

5. Bryce Young forgets where his center is

There’s probably significantly more context to this clip that we’ll never get. Regardless, it’s a funny clip.

6. Bryce Young’s touchdown looked really similar to last week

Young’s footwork in quick passing situations is chef’s kiss. His ability to throw off platform is almost as impressive as his ability to set his feet quickly on outbreaking routes at the goal line. The fourth quarter touchdown looked eerily similar to last week, and Young’s quick processing talent was on full display on both. Here’s last week’s touchdown toss for reference.

7. The defense celebrates a big play

I’m an absolute sucker for an entire defense running to the end zone to celebrate a turnover. Related: Vonn Bell’s interception was the first for a Panthers safety since 2021. Also related (hot take incoming)….

8. The all-white jerseys are the best Carolina has full stop

There were significant discussions on Twitter about how it was a travesty that the Panthers didn’t wear all black under the lights on Monday night. However, the all-white uniforms with the new process blue looked great on the field last night. The contrast with the black end zones was awesome. It’s a great look. Deal with it.

9. Chris Olave is a problem

I’m saving one spot in first and ten to shout out a cool player on the other team. The NFC South is loaded with young playmakers, and Chris Olave has a shout to be at the top of the list. His one-handed catch last night that took the top off the defense for the first time was sweet.

10. The Panthers have a skill position problem

Guys love to name dudes, right? A quick list of NFC South playmakers that I would take over any skill position player on the Panthers' offense. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, Rashid Shaheed. In a league overflowing with skill talent, it’s hard to have a stable of pass catchers as bare as what the Panthers currently trot out. 

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Twitter - @AllPanthers_ and Matt Alquiza: @malquiza8

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Matt Alquiza
MATT ALQUIZA

Email: Malquiza8(at)gmail.com Twitter: @Malquiza8 UNC Charlotte graduate and Charlotte native obsessed with all things from the Queen City. I have always been a sports fan and I am constantly trying to learn the game so I can share it with you. I survived 7-59. I survived lost the Anthony Davis lottery. I survived Super Bowl 50. And I believe that the best is yet to come in Charlotte sports, let's talk about it together! Enlish degree with a journalism minor from UNC Charlotte. Written for multiple publications covering the Bobcats/Hornets, Panthers, Fantasy Football

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