Panthers' OL struggles versus Texans during NFL joint training camp practice

Panthers' OL struggles versus Texans during NFL joint training camp practice originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Monroe Freeling attempted to maintain leverage and balance against Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr., but often failed. The Carolina Panthers' first-round draft pick struggled during Wednesday's NFL joint training camp practice.

He wasn't alone. 

Earlier, Anderson raced past left tackle Rasheed Walker for another sack on quarterback Bryce Young, who likely experienced 2023 flashbacks. A former Alabama teammate, Anderson continuously reacquainted himself with his friend multiple times by visiting the backfield. 

Under consistent duress during the final full training camp session, Young reportedly completed nine of 17 passes and was picked off twice. On one, he threw into double coverage. The other bounced off wide receiver Jalen Coker's hands. 

"They got after us today," Young said. "It's not a good feeling. It's not us, you know, performing at the level we want to. I look in the mirror, we all look in the mirror.

"A day like this, you've got to grow from it."

The teams will meet in an exhibition matchup at Bank of America Stadium. Coach Dave Canales on Wednesday confirmed a majority of the Panthers' starters, including Young, will not start in the preseason finale.

An undrafted free agent facing one more opportunity to impress the Panthers' coaching staff, rookie right tackle Albert Reese IV, who earned the offense's highest PFF grade during last Friday's 34-17 preseason victory over the host Jacksonville Jaguars, said he wanted a "few plays back" Wednesday.

With their top two tackles, Ikem Ekwonu (knee) and Taylor Moton (blood clots), sidelined and not expected to be ready for the regular-season opener Sept . 13, the Panthers have worked to develop offensive line depth through the offseason training activities (OTAs) and training camp. 

Despite creating clean pockets in the fourth quarter of the Hall of Fame Game win on Aug. 6 and mostly controlling the line of scrimmage against the Jaguars, the Panthers' offensive front failed to diminish the Texans' big pass rush.

"Their defense is absolutely stellar, but, at the same time, you can't just blame it on that" Reese said. " You know, it doesn't matter who you're playing, you got to play to your standard."

Reese recorded a 91.5 grade last Friday, the Panthers' highest mark,  according to PFF. He also registered the team's highest run-blocking grade and yielded zero QB pressures covering 25 chances.

The former Mississippi State standout should again see a majority of snaps Friday, his final audition about 48 hours before NFL cutdown day. 

With Young absorbing at least four sacks Wednesday, Canales expects the offensive line's second and third units to rebound. 

Young likely got tired of seeing his old college pal so often.

"Will, that's my brother," Young said. "We were at 'Bama at the same time. That's someone extremely close to me, so it's always good to catch up with him and be around him." 

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