Cat Scratch Reader
The Carolina Panthers are 0-2 in the preseason. We try not to care about records and stats overmuch in the preseason as plenty of veterans are only playing half speed and the new guys are all playing at 110% trying to make the roster. It makes for weird football that we have to judge more off of vibes than numbers. That said, it’s OK to be alarmed when the vibes and the numbers are equally bad.
This Thursday, August 21st, the Panthers host the Pittsburgh Steelers for their final preseason game. Two weeks later, they open their regular season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 7th.
Head coach Dave Canales has held firm since the start of the preseason that starters will not be playing against Pittsburgh. His calculus seems to be that the risk of further injury is not worth the extra live practice for the top of the roster when we’re this close to the games that count.
That means the Panthers offseason is largely over. The top of the team is more or less baked in and their focus will be on the bottom of the roster prior to the August 26th deadline for cuts.
With limited opportunity and dwindling fan optimism, what do y’all want to see from the Carolina Panthers prior to September 7th?
Should they stick to the plan and trust in Canales?
Do they need to change course and play starters on Thursday?
Do they still need to pursue a real free safety?
Should they go all-in on trading for one more big piece at either wide receiver or edge?
Hit the comments below and let us know what needs to be done to revive your spirits. Or, tell us why your hope for the 2025 season is still going strong.
