Key Takeaways from the Carolina Panthers’ Week 2 Preseason Matchup Against the Houston Texans

Key Takeaways from the Carolina Panthers’ Week 2 Preseason Matchup Against the Houston Texans originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

In Week 2 of the NFL Preseason, the Carolina Panthers faced the Houston Texans in a game that, while still an exhibition, provided meaningful insight into the team’s development. Unlike their Week 1 opponent, the Cleveland Browns, the Texans boast a top-10 defense—presenting a much tougher test for Carolina’s offense. The Panthers struggled to respond to the elevated competition, revealing concerns about rhythm, execution, and overall readiness. While preseason games are not definitive, this matchup exposed areas where improvement is needed, particularly on offense, and gave coaches and fans alike a clearer sense of how the team stacks up.

Offense Struggles to Find Rhythm

The most glaring concern was the regression on offense. The Panthers' first-team unit looked out of sync and ineffective, failing to establish any rhythm or consistency. They managed only one first down—and that came via a penalty. Quarterback Bryce Young completed none of his two passing attempts, and the offense as a whole failed to move the chains or sustain drives. Despite Head Coach Dave Canales’ emphasis on finishing strong, the starting unit fell short of expectations.

Compounding the issue, backup quarterback Andy Dalton left the game with an injury, forcing third-string QB Jake Plummer into extended action. Plummer showed some promise, completing 10 of 14 passes, but also threw an interception—highlighting both the potential and growing pains in the depth chart at quarterback.

Concerns Around Play-Calling and Offensive Identity

On Panthers Playbook, a podcast by ESPN 99.9 The Fan, hosts Dennis Cox and Chris Lea dissected the offensive struggles in greater detail. One of their primary concerns was the play-calling by Offensive Coordinator Brad Idzik. They noted a stark contrast between Idzik’s “vanilla” approach and the more dynamic style that Canales is known for. The lack of creativity, particularly with the first-team offense, was a focal point of criticism.

Additionally, questions continue to swirl around the Panthers’ stated identity as a “run-first” team. With top backs like Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle being held out, the hosts questioned why younger talents such as Trevor Etienne or Raheem Blackshear weren’t seeing more action. Using the blunt analogy, “you can’t pee in my face and tell me it’s raining,” they emphasized the disconnect between the team’s messaging and what’s actually happening on the field.

Chris Lea also voiced frustration about the continued lack of variety from the first-team offense. He drew comparisons to last season under former head coach Frank Reich, where the offensive scheme remained bland from preseason through the regular season. While acknowledging that it’s still early, he warned against assuming major strides in 2025, suggesting instead that 2026 might be the more realistic target for a competitive leap.

Lea also called for a more competitive quarterback room, arguing that while Andy Dalton brings veteran experience, the team would benefit from a backup capable of truly pushing Bryce Young—or stepping in effectively if needed.

Defensive Bright Spots—and Some Missed Opportunities

On the defensive side, there were reasons for optimism. Rookie edge rusher Princely Umanmielen drew praise for his burst off the edge and high motor, with his performance suggesting he could be a key rotational piece behind the veterans. The young defenders are beginning to emerge as meaningful contributors, and their development could provide much-needed depth throughout the season.

However, not all players seized their opportunities. Earlier this week, Dennis Cox mentioned that a handful of players would be given a real chance to prove themselves. One of those players was cornerback Shemar Bartholomew, who stepped in for Pro Bowl CB Jaycee Horn following Horn’s absence due to a car accident. Unfortunately, Bartholomew struggled mightily against Texans wide receiver Nico Collins—getting beat repeatedly and drawing criticism for his lack of impact. As Cox put it, “he might as well not even have been there,” a harsh but telling statement about the urgency needed from depth players trying to make the roster.

Looking Ahead

As the Panthers prepare for their final preseason games, the path forward is clear. Offensively, they must find cohesion, increase reps, and establish a more defined identity—especially if they intend to build around Bryce Young in the long term. The defense continues to show encouraging signs, particularly among younger players, but overall consistency remains a work in progress.

While expectations for 2025 may need to be tempered, the foundation is being laid. What fans and analysts want to see now is growth—more urgency, sharper execution, and a clearer vision for the team’s identity on both sides of the ball.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 16, 2025, where it first appeared.