Starters to be on the field vs. Bills
By Sharon Thorsland
It’s the preseason finale for the Panthers, who travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills Saturday afternoon. And for the first time this preseason, Bryce Young and the starters are expected to play. Coach Dave Canales announced on Thursday that he would like to get everyone some reps and give them a chance to get in game mode ahead of the regular season. “This is a great opportunity to go through the pregame routines with each other,” said Canales. “I love this opportunity for the guys and they’re excited about it.”
The Bills will not be playing their starters, who have already seen time in the first two preseason games. They’ve got several key players dealing with injuries, receivers Curtis Samuel and Marquez Valdez-Scantling and backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky. But they’re still a team that is loaded with talent. They finished last season on a five game winning streak before losing in the second round of the playoffs, and are once again favored to win the AFC East and contend for a Super Bowl title.
With star quarterback Josh Allen and Trubisky on the sidelines, the Steelers will have a pair of quarterbacks on the field that have only been on the roster less than two weeks. Second year player Ben DiNucci will share time with Anthony Brown, who was just signed earlier this week. Rookie receiver Keon Coleman should see plenty of reps, and former App. State standout Darrynton Evans will anchor the running backs. Keep and eye out for rookie running backs Ray Davis and Frank Gore Jr., both have been impressive in camp. Panther safety Jordan Fuller is excited to get on the field no matter who they’re facing. “I’s a little dress rehearsal,” said Fuller. “Another opportunity to get on the grass and have fun. Just get out there with my teammates for the first time so week one isn’t the first time getting out there.”
Bryce Young and the Panther offense will face a Bills defense that was one of the best in the league last season. They allowed just 18 points a game, and forced 30 turnovers, that was third in the league. They also racked up 54 sacks. Eight-time Pro Bowler Von Miller is back, along with edge rushers Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa, they combined for 11 and a half sacks. The secondary features veteran and former Panther Rasul Douglas, who led the team with four interceptions. This game will be all about the young guys, though, so look for guys like Cam Lewis and Ja’Marcus Ingram to get lots of reps. The Panthers’ starters will likely only play a series or two before giving way to the backups as well, including rookie quarterback Jack Plummer, who has been getting tons of reps this preseason. “They’re a well-coached group with a defensive minded coach,” said Plummer. “I’m excited for the challenge to go against them. It’s always good to go against a defense that’s a little bit different style than the way our defense plays. They’ll be able to test us a little bit versus what we’re seeing in practice.
Plummer is one of the guys trying to make this Panther roster. The starters might be out there for a while, but this game is all about the guys on the bubble trying to make the team. It’s their final chance to impress coaches with cut day looming on Tuesday. “It’s huge,” said Canales. We treat these games seriously because we know this is an opportunity for these guys for their careers, whether it’s here or somewhere else.
