Panthers Preseason: Winners and losers from Sunday’s contest with Colts

The Panthers lost their first preseason game of the year to the Colts, 21-18.

Here are some winners and losers from today’s contest.

Winner: QB P.J. Walker

Fans were treated to an entertaining performance from Carolina’s No. 2 quarterback. Walker showed off his well-documented ability to escape pressure and throw accurately on the run multiple times.

P.J. Walker is fun to watch pic.twitter.com/02VMT5Bi2r

— James Fragoza (@JamesFragoza) August 15, 2021

Walker also displayed a soft touch on his deep passes. He played the whole first half, going 10/21 for 161 yards and an 89.6 passer rating.

Winner: The edge rushers

Carolina showcased a lot of depth on the edge, today. Marquis Haynes jumped out from the first defensive snap, getting pressure on Jacob Eason. He continued being disruptive throughout, posting a strip-sack and forcing a false start against Indy. Frankie Luvu flashed as well, notching a sack on fourth down. Yetur Gross-Matos also got in on the action.

Loser: OT Trent Scott

This team is still looking for a solution to their left tackle problem, as they’ve been rotating a series of different linemen at this position. Trent Scott didn’t help his case to win the job, as he committed a couple of false start penalties before getting replaced by Greg Little.

Winner: WR Terrace Marshall

Marshall was the recipient of Walker’s 60-yard pass in the first quarter, most of which came after the catch thanks to Marshall’s speed. He finished the afternoon with 88 yards, matching his number.

Loser: K Joey Slye

Slye connected on his first two field goals, both of which were less than 30 yards out. He struggled the rest of the game, though. He very nearly missed one from 41 yards then went wide right on an extra point attempt. It was a tough ask, but Slye also missed a 63-yarder to end the first half.

Winner: RB Chuba Hubbard

Carolina’s fourth-round pick had a huge run late in the second quarter. He initially ran into a pile and looked like he’d go down, but Hubbard kept his legs moving and broke free, totaling 59 yards.

#Panthers rookie RB Chuba Hubbard ran into a brick wall and then somehow ended up with a 59-yard run. pic.twitter.com/Biv8eA0pT3

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 15, 2021

Hubbard posted 80 yards on seven carries.

Loser: CB Troy Pride Jr.

Pride got roughed up throughout the game, especially in the fourth quarter when he gave up two big plays. Pride also appeared to get injured both times and had to be carried off the field. He could be in danger of being one of the team’s first 90-to-85 man roster cuts Tuesday.