Preseason Week 1 - Panthers vs Jets Gameday Thread

[Motorcycle Nerd 27]

Joint Practices with the Jets have concluded and tomorrow marks the first time we'll be able to get our eyes on the new-look Carolina Panthers!

What I hope to see:

1. A Wall Upfront - Carolina has made a concerted effort to build a strong Offensive Line. I'm hoping to see that investment pay off by keeping Bryce, Dalton, and Matt Corral upright for most of the evening. Some good holes for the RBs as well. I don't want us to have to get creative on 3rd and 4th and 1 in order to get that first down. Let's show we can pick up that yard when needed.
2. A Defense that Feasts - There has been a lot of hype around the defense, especially the potential of some guys like Burns with the switch to a 3-4 Defense. I want to see Rodgers and Wilson covered in grass & dirt turf stains
3. Good decision-making from Bryce - We all know Bryce has some insane mental processing power and a knack to improvise. What I want to see is that he's able to keep up with the speed of the NFL game. I want to see him be able to make the decision to throw it away when needed and continue to protect himself.

It's important to remember there will be growing pains as we have a Rookie QB and a New Staff, even if extremely experienced, but I haven't been this hyped for a preseason game since we played another New York team in August of 2011 (Cam's first preseason game). 

If things look great out of the gate, or concerning, remember it's preseason. Teams don't always game plan and will often try stuff they wouldn't normally do in games.  After Cam started 24 of 57 (42% Completion) with 1 TD and 0 INTs in his first preseason, there were many who thought he was the next Jamarcus Russel. He followed that up by having the most impressive start of any QB in NFL history and went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.

I'm to see a fundamentally sound team that's fired up. What are you hoping to see this Saturday?

[Motorcycle Nerd 27]

... there most certainly was no wall up front.