Panthers Look Sharp in Preseason Debut; Defeat Texans 27-17

Even though Cam Newton didn't play and a few other starters never made an appearance in last night's game, the Carolina Panthers looked pretty good in their preseason opener at Bank of America Stadium last night against the Houston Texans. In a word, I would call it impressive. Both the starting defense and offense looked in mid-season form, and you could not have asked for much more from them.

The Texans took the opening kickoff and were lead out by career backup quarterback Tom Savage in their first series. However, the Panthers' defense proved to be too much for the Texans, as they went backwards on their first series. The Panthers were lead in their first defensive series by two of their biggest stars, LB Luke Keuchly, who posted a tackle for loss on the game's second play from scrimmage. That was followed by a sack from DT Kawaan "K.K." Short on the next play that sent out the punting unit for the Texans.

Backup QB Derek Anderson wasted little time in getting us reacquainted with two of the Panthers' offensive stars, hitting WR Kelvin Benjamin on a square in and then connecting with TE Greg Olsen down the seam. That would set up a 23-yard toss in which Benjamin climbed the ladder to snare the Panthers' first touchdown catch of the season.

Also impressive was the performance of rookie RB Christian McAffrey. Although the former Stanford star wasn't able to break one into the open field, he still was able to gain positive yardage each time he touched the ball.

The stars of the game for the Panthers were 3rd string QB Joe Webb, who threw for 128 yards and 2 TDs and WR Damiere Byrd, who had 4 receptions for 98 yards and was on the receiving end of both TD passes from Webb. Byrd was on the Panthers' roster last year, but he was low on the depth chart. After his performance last night, the coaching staff might consider moving him up. With rookie WR Curtis Samuel nursing a hamstring and Devin Funchess still not completely developed, Byrd could become a viable second option behind Kelvin Benjamin.

Aside from a controversial catch that was originally ruled a fumble picked up by the Texans' defense and returned for a TD, but then overturned and ruled an incomplete pass, it was a pretty good performance overall. Stats don't mean much when it comes to preseason games, but you like to see good plays and good players. After last night's game, head coach Ron Rivera and his staff don't have an easy decision on who stays and who goes. Luckily, roster cuts don't come until next week, giving the coaching staff another week to look at everyone.

Two notable injuries in last night's game: DT Vernon Butler suffered a knee injury in the first quarter and was carted off the field. No further updates were available at this time, but he was up and trying to walk on it sometime after the injury occurred last night. WR Brenton Bersin suffered a contusion to his left leg after a violent collision with a Texans defender in the second quarter. He should be okay.

The Texans did have some highlights, with rookie QB and former Clemson star DeShaun Watson having a solid showing through almost three quarters of game action. He looks to have the inside track on the starting job in my opinion. He was extremely poised and calm in the pocket.

The Panthers travel to Tennessee next to scrimmage against the Titans before playing them in Nashville next Saturday afternoon.