Panthers scored TD at end of regulation, not getting to kick extra point (or playing many first teamers) wasn’t a problem. Vicky Bruce’s goal in 27th minute at refurbished ($41M) American Legion Memorial stadium was seen by 10,553 enthused spectators, and Knights hung a 5 spot in 4th inning fireworks, none after matinee game. On a 90 degree day, cold beer and well-played games were all you could ask for.
Forget about naysaying for just a little while Charlotte, although winning their inaugural game guarantees nothing for the first women’s pro sports team here since WNBA Sting folded in 2007. Saturday’s triple header sure beats the ‘Loserville’ tag our teams have earned while being blasted regularly the last couple years. Hornets only won 21 NBA games last season, Carolina Panthers were an often described as a dumpster fire while going 2-15 in 2023, and Triple AAA Knights, now 54-62, were a dismal 54-96 last year. Take the upswing on Knights being more competitive.
Panthers still not playing first teamers
For the fans who continue to sweat (sorry! its legit about Sat.) Head Coach Dave Canales still not putting starters (37 held out vs. Jets) on field in pre-season games, there is an expectation that changes against Buffalo Bills this Saturday. Cutdowns to 53-man roster are next Tues. (27th) and HC Canales has *got* to want to see Bryce Young and the offense working for real before season opener vs. Saints two weeks later.
Given the barrage of injuries throughout NFL camps, ie. Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (torn meniscus) that will sideline the rookie from Michigan for 2024 season, Canales caution with expected starters is still outside usual NFL best practices.
The joint practices against Jets last week provided helpful indicators on progress. Jets QB Aaron Rodgers started slow with a pair of INTs, got back on track late with a TD pass during two-minute drill. Panthers QB Bryce Young was 14/22 on Thursday, 5/7 to five different receivers on his chance at two-minute drill, resulting in a FG. Eddie Pinero is the only kicker in camp now, so apparently he’s not getting any more than the $2.5M for year two of his contract like he desired.
Terrence Marshall, Jr. and second year receiver Jonathan Mingo seem to be assured of making the 53-man team off the intrasquad practices. Marshall’s TD in Jets practice left him giddy enough to drop the ball on his defender, a major reason for the teams dust-up during week. That $100M free agent Robert Hunt went down early in one practice was cause for concern, but he came back later, so whew! for offensive line and yes, points to Canales for holding starters out in another game. Panthers are better, but losing first line players (they had 15 people at guard positions in 2023) would be a killer.
RB Chuba Hubbard (238 carries, 902 yds, 5 TDs in 2023) went down awkwardly in practice but is judged okay, and Jonathan Brooks isn’t ready yet, but Dillon Johnson (18 carries, 89 yds., last second TD) looked fine. Panthers Jack Plummer was 11/18 for 42 yards, but HC Canales is truly pushing the running game aspect.
DB Demani Richardson’s late INT on Saturday capped a terrific week, with two others in practices. Despite DC Ejiro Eviro’s Panthers defense putting up somewhat gaudy numbers – 3rd in passing yardage, 4th in overall yardage, and 5th in third down efficiency in 2023 – they only had NINE TOs last year. Some ball-hawking in secondary, and increased respect for rookie Trevin Wallace’s banging people as MLB, Panthers looked more like an NFL team.
Knights played to few, Ascent FC before many
It was difficult to determine how close to their average attendance (6,000) the Knights were, because almost everyone took shelter in shade, but the Ascent fared much better with that enthused 10,553. Renee Guion’s free kick was headed by Annika Creel to a well-positioned Vicky Bruce, who tucked it away in the 27th minute against DC Power FC.
The Ascent will have 14 games in Aug.-Dec. part of season, then 14 more from Feb.-May, playing in USL Super League. That they drew such a crowd at other end of Charlotte from Panthers game is a hopeful sign. Sorry, didn’t see that game, can’t say a ton about it.
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