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Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, August 11th 2025 at 16:10 GMT by The New York Times
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By adding two draft picks and Hunter Renfrow at receiver, Carolina is going to have tough roster choices to make at the position.

Panthers Preseason Takeaways: Xavier Legette's Disqualification and Key Performances in Loss to Jets

In the Carolina Panthers' second preseason outing against the New York Jets, the team faced a mix of promising developments and concerning setbacks, culminating in a 15-12 defeat at MetLife Stadium. While the scoreboard reflected a close contest, the game provided head coach Dave Canales with valuable insights into his roster as the regular season looms. Among the most notable storylines was the disqualification of rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette, which overshadowed some positive individual efforts and raised questions about discipline within the young squad. This summary delves into the key takeaways from the matchup, highlighting offensive and defensive performances, coaching decisions, and areas for improvement as the Panthers continue to build under new leadership.

Starting with the headline-grabbing incident, Xavier Legette's ejection came in the third quarter following a heated altercation with Jets cornerback Brandin Echols. The scuffle erupted after a deep pass attempt where Legette appeared to be held, leading to shoving and helmet-swinging that officials deemed excessive. Legette, the Panthers' first-round draft pick out of South Carolina, was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and subsequently disqualified, forcing him to watch the remainder of the game from the sidelines. This marked a disappointing turn for the highly touted rookie, who had been generating buzz in training camp for his speed and physicality. Coach Canales addressed the incident post-game, emphasizing the need for composure: "We can't afford to lose players to avoidable mistakes. Xavier has tremendous potential, but he has to channel that energy productively." Legette's absence highlighted the Panthers' depth issues at receiver, as backups struggled to fill the void, contributing to a stagnant passing game in the latter stages.

Beyond the disqualification, the Panthers' offense showed flashes of the revamped scheme Canales has implemented since taking over from Frank Reich. Quarterback Bryce Young, in limited action, completed 8 of 12 passes for 92 yards, including a sharp 25-yard strike to veteran Adam Thielen that set up the team's only touchdown. Young's poise in the pocket was evident, a marked improvement from his rookie struggles last season, where he often appeared overwhelmed by pressure. Canales praised Young's decision-making, noting how the former Alabama star effectively managed audibles and protections against a Jets defense that blitzed aggressively. However, the backup quarterback battle added intrigue, with Andy Dalton and Jack Plummer splitting reps. Dalton looked steady, engineering a field-goal drive with efficient short throws, while Plummer, an undrafted free agent, impressed with his arm strength on a 40-yard completion but threw an interception that stalled momentum.

On the ground, the running game provided a bright spot amid the offensive inconsistencies. Chuba Hubbard, stepping into a potential lead-back role with Jonathan Brooks sidelined by injury recovery, rushed for 56 yards on 12 carries, including a bruising 18-yard gain that showcased his vision and burst. Hubbard's performance alleviated some concerns about the backfield's depth, especially with Miles Sanders nursing a minor hamstring tweak that kept him out. The offensive line, a point of emphasis after last year's woes, held up reasonably well, allowing only two sacks despite facing a formidable Jets front seven. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, in particular, stood out with strong pass protection, suggesting he could rebound from a sophomore slump.

Defensively, the Panthers continued to embody the aggressive identity fostered by coordinator Ejiro Evero. The unit forced two turnovers, including a strip-sack by edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who looks rejuvenated after signing with his hometown team. Clowney's disruption in the backfield was a reminder of his All-Pro caliber when healthy, and his pairing with Brian Burns on the edges could make Carolina's pass rush one of the league's more formidable. Linebacker Shaq Thompson anchored the middle, tallying seven tackles and breaking up a key third-down pass, while the secondary showed resilience despite the absence of starter Jaycee Horn, who was rested as a precaution. Rookie cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, a late-round pick, made a splash with an interception in the end zone, preventing a Jets score and energizing the sideline.

Special teams also factored into the takeaways, with a blocked punt by the Panthers' coverage unit leading to prime field position in the second quarter. Kicker Eddy Piñeiro was perfect on field goals, drilling attempts from 42 and 35 yards, which could solidify his role after a shaky 2023. However, punt returner Ihmir Smith-Marsette's muffed return nearly cost the team, underscoring the need for ball security in high-stakes situations.

Overall, the loss to the Jets exposed familiar Panthers' vulnerabilities, such as red-zone inefficiency—where they settled for field goals on two promising drives—and penalties, with the team racking up nine flags for 85 yards. Legette's disqualification amplified these discipline issues, serving as a teachable moment for a roster blending youth and experience. Canales, drawing from his time with the Seahawks and Buccaneers, remains optimistic, viewing the preseason as a laboratory for growth. "We're building something here," he said. "The effort is there, but we need to clean up the mental errors."

Looking ahead, the Panthers face the Buffalo Bills in their preseason finale, an opportunity to integrate more starters and fine-tune before the regular-season opener against the Saints. For Legette, the incident could be a pivotal learning experience, potentially fueling his development into a dynamic playmaker. If the team addresses its discipline and execution lapses, the foundational pieces—Young's progression, a stout defense, and emerging depth—suggest a competitive outlook. Yet, as with any rebuilding effort, consistency will be key. This game, while not a victory on the field, offered a wealth of data for Canales and his staff to dissect, setting the stage for what could be a turnaround season in Charlotte.

In deeper analysis, the disqualification of Legette isn't just an isolated event but symptomatic of the emotional highs and lows that come with a young, hungry team. Legette, known for his fiery competitiveness during his college days at South Carolina, where he amassed over 1,200 receiving yards in his final season, brings an edge that the Panthers desperately need after years of offensive stagnation. However, harnessing that without crossing into penalty territory will be crucial. Teammates like Thielen, a veteran presence, could play a mentoring role, helping Legette navigate the professional game's nuances.

The quarterback room dynamics also warrant further scrutiny. Young's limited snaps were by design, protecting the franchise cornerstone, but his chemistry with new targets like Legette (prior to the ejection) and Diontae Johnson, who sat out with a precautionary rest, will be vital. Johnson's speed could complement Legette's size, forming a versatile duo that stretches defenses. Meanwhile, the running back committee approach, with Hubbard leading the way, might evolve if Brooks returns to full health, adding a dynamic element.

Defensively, the turnover creation is encouraging, aligning with Evero's philosophy of opportunistic play. Clowney's impact, if sustained, could elevate the unit from good to elite, especially with Derrick Brown's interior dominance. The secondary's depth, tested without Horn, held firm, but adding veteran help via free agency or trades remains a possibility.

As the Panthers digest this preseason chapter, the focus shifts to internal growth. Legette's mishap, while regrettable, doesn't define him or the team. Instead, it's a reminder that potential must meet preparation. With Canales at the helm, emphasizing detail and accountability, Carolina appears poised to surprise skeptics. The road ahead is challenging, but games like this provide the blueprint for progress. (Word count: 1,048)

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