Panthers offense looks to learn from tough joint practice against Texans
Texans defense shines against the Panthers, but Houston loses two players to injuries during joint practice.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. —
The Carolina Panthers got a tough test Wednesday against one of the NFL’s most talented defensive fronts.
During a joint practice with the Houston Texans, Carolina’s offense struggled to consistently protect quarterback Bryce Young, with Houston pass rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter creating problems throughout the session.
Young acknowledged the Panthers needed to be better after the difficult practice.
“I have a lot of respect for them, really good unit, but we had to be better,” Young said. “We have to respond.”
The Panthers are still dealing with injuries along the offensive line, with Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu sidelined. That has opened the door for Rasheed Walker and rookie Monroe Freeling to take on larger roles.
Young also threw an interception during the practice as Carolina struggled to find consistency against Houston’s pressure.
But head coach Dave Canales said the answer is not to panic. Instead, the Panthers want to use the film from Wednesday to make adjustments before the regular season.
Canales emphasized the importance of staying patient, getting the ball out quickly when needed and waiting for the right opportunities to take shots downfield.
For Young, the rough day is part of the process.
“It’s us not performing at the level we want to,” Young said. “A day like this, you got to grow from it.”
The Panthers now have two weeks to address what went wrong before opening the regular season Sept. 13.