Quarterback: C-
Cam Newton completed 10 passes out of 18 attempts and had 1 touchdown and threw 1 interception. Although the stat line looked ordinary, Newton had a terrible day. Newton missed terribly on third down multiple times throughout the game when the Panthers needed it the most. Rust may be to blame as the Panthers have not started the veteran QB since Week 10 of last season.
Running Back: B
Christian McCaffrey had 15 touches for 90 yards (84 rushing, 6 receiving) and 1 rushing touchdown, with a long run of 24 yards. McCaffrey is coming off of a season where he had over 320 touches (229 carries and 88 receptions) and looks to be in good form already, having not played at all the entire preseason.
Receivers: C-
Rookie Justin Shorter scored the lone touchdown off of a play-action screen, continuing on from his red hot preseason. DJ Moore was the only other receiver with a reception (3 receptions, 33 yards). The Panthers will need to find a way to get the ball to their talented receivers if they want to win more games this year.
Tight Ends: C+
Second-year tight end Tommy Tremble led the Panthers in receiving, with 3 catches for 49 yards. He won the starting job over Dan Arnold this past preseason. Look for the Panthers to lean on Tremble’s athleticism a lot this season.
Offensive Line: C+
Although Cam was only sacked once, the New Orleans defense managed to force a few under pressure throws, which was part of the reason the Panthers only converted 4 of the 9 times on 3rd down. The line will need to improve its blocking as Cam’s mobility is not what it once was, or this trend will continue.
Defensive Line: C+
1st round pick Zach Harrison led the defensive line in tackles with 2 (1 solo, 1 assist). He had multiple QB pressures and was able to lock down Kamara when the action was sent his way. The Panthers may have stunted Harrison’s early game momentum by rotating in Brian Burns and newly acquired Jadaveon Clowney. Burns had 3 TFL and led the line in stats with 6 total tackles. The Panthers will need to find the perfect combination against the pass and the run, as they currently have an embarrassment of riches with Burns, Clowney, Harrison, Gross-Matos, and Reddick. Although they were able to get pressure on rookie QB Spencer Rattler all game, they were not able to produce any sacks. Daviyon Nixon stood out as the lone interior lineman, as he was the only one to produce a TFL from the interior. Training camp standout Yetur Gross-Matos had a 0 stat line across the board on 24 downs played.
Linebackers: B-
The linebacker looked to be the most improved position group in the first game. Rookie LB Own Pappoe had a total of 50 reps, splitting time at the inside and outside linebacker spots and led the group with 6 total tackles and 1 TFL. Fellow rookie LB Henry To’oTo’o had 3 solo tackles on 18 downs played. It will be interesting to see how these rookies progress over the season.
Defensive Backs: B
Jeremey Chinn picked up where he left off last season, leading the Panthers in tackles (8 total tackles, 1 TFL) and 1 interception. The Panthers leading tackler from a season ago is off to a strong start. Second-year corner Jaycee Horn added 7 tackles and 1 interception as well. Newly added veteran safety Jaquiski Tartt also stood out and had 7 tackles. Donte Jackson had 1 interception.
Special Teams: C
Kicker Brett Maher had an up and down game. He initially nailed a 60 yarder, then had one blocked, and then just missed a kick that would have helped the Panthers put the game away.
Overall: C+
It was easy to see that the Panthers’ starters were a bit rusty — most starters completed the preseason with 0 snaps. In hindsight, it may have not been the best plan to rest the starters all of the preseason when you start the season with back-to-back divisional games. The Panthers host the defending divisional champions next week, this time without Tom Brady under center.
