Jonathon Brooks' Biggest Issue in Preseason Week 2 Could Limit Snaps With Panthers

One glaring issue see saw from Jonathon Brooks in preseason Week 2 could limit how much work he sees on third downs with the Carolina Panthers.

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (25) celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Running back Jonathon Brooks had a few standout moments in the Carolina Panthers' preseason Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it wasn't all good for him.

Brooks ripped off an 11-yard run during the contest, and he was able to find pay dirt for the first time in his career on a one-yard carry in the first quarter.

However, Brooks' pass-blocking left a lot to be desired. Brooks saw three pass-blocking reps, according to Pro Football Focus, and gave up two pressures and scored a putrid 6.6 grade.

Here's one of those snaps in which he gave up a pressure.

Jonathon Brooks has to be better in pass pro here. Bad whiff. This is likely a first down for Brycen Tremayne if Brooks does his job. Have to be better in this area if you're going to be reliable on third downs. #Panthers pic.twitter.com/wN2i57dpWn

— Jared Feinberg (@Jared_NFLDraft) August 22, 2026

Yikes.

Now, to be fair, Brooks did redeem himself in another pass pro rep later on, but his showing overall was not good.

Why Brooks' pass protection is important

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) hands off to running back Jonathon Brooks (25) against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first quarter during a preseason game at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It goes without saying that Bryce Young's life is going to be a lot harder if his running backs can't adequately block for him.

We saw that first hand in the clip above, as Young's throw was clearly impacted on a play that otherwise would have gained yardage if Young had a cleaner look.

More specifically for Brooks, he can't hope to see many snaps on third downs if his pass pro isn't up to snuff. If he doesn't improve, Brooks is going to cede even more work to Chuba Hubbard, who remains the favorite to lead the backfield at the start of the year, and quite possibly even Trevor Etienne or AJ Dillon.

PFF has charted four pass-blocking snaps in total for Brooks in the preseason. The third-year back had a successful rep in the previous preseason game, and had another in the second.

That said, the bad has been really bad thus far.

A running back pass pro problem?

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30), running back AJ Dillon (28) and running back Jonathon Brooks (25) during training camp at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The good news for Brooks is that Etienne hasn't been much better with his pass pro snaps. Etienne has registered a 29.1 grade in two pass protection snaps this preseason, and he posted a 22.9 grade through three pass-blocking snaps last season.

Hubbard is the best and most proven blocker of the trio, but he isn't great in that area by any stretch after posting a lackluster grade of 46.8 in 2025.

All of this points to a pass protection problem in the backfield for the Panthers, and it's one they need to fix.

Jonathan Brooks' preseason Week 2 performance

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (25) celebrates his first quarter touchdown at EverBank Stadium in the second preseason game on Friday night, August 21, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Outside of the clear struggles in pass protection, Brooks took a step forward in his second preseason game of the season.

He barely averaged three yards per carry and only finished with five carries for 18 yards, but those were still better numbers than last week. He also ripped off an 11-yard run when the right side of Carolina's offensive line opened up a nice hole for him.

That run, along with his score, will only help Brooks build confidence as the regular season approaches.