In terms of scoring, the Panthers hadn’t found the end zone four times in a game since Week 16 of the 2023 season against the Packers. Similarly, the last time they recorded three passing touchdowns was back in Week 5 against the Lions.

Quarterback Bryce Young, despite playing only 12 snaps, was highly efficient. He led an 85-yard drive that concluded with a touchdown, posting an impressive 140.6 passer rating—his best since joining the NFL. Young averaged 8.75 yards per pass, a feat he had only achieved once last season in Week 16 against Green Bay.

The Panthers’ offense also made strides, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive—a rarity in 2023, where their best results on first drives were three field goals.

Rookie quarterback Jack Plummer stepped up after Young, taking over the reins for the remainder of the game. Plummer delivered an outstanding performance, completing 21 of 29 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns, earning a 125.4 passer rating. “Jack did his thing today,” remarked wide receiver Diontae Johnson, acknowledging Plummer’s solid play.

Plummer’s 278 yards marked the highest by a Panthers QB in a preseason game since at least 2018. Overall, the Panthers achieved 340 net passing yards, their best since Week 3 of the 2020 season when Teddy Bridgewater led the team. Last season, Bryce Young’s highest net yardage was 298 in Week 16 against Green Bay, while Andy Dalton hit 334 in Week 3 against Seattle.

The offense also tallied 22 first downs, a number only surpassed three times in the 2023 season: Week 3 against Seattle (23), Week 5 against Detroit (26), and Week 16 against Green Bay (26). The Panthers were particularly effective on third downs, converting 8 out of 13 attempts, resulting in a 62 percent conversion rate—their best since Week 7 of the 2020 season against the Saints, where they managed 67 percent.

Tight end Jesper Horsted made a significant impact with a 38-yard reception in the third quarter, the longest of his career. He finished the game with a team-high 63 receiving yards. In total, 16 different Panthers receivers recorded receptions during the game, with seven of them racking up 20 or more receiving yards.

On defense, the Panthers recorded three sacks, their highest total in a game this preseason. Safety Rudy Ford led all tacklers with six stops.

If you break down that first drive, wide receiver Diontae Johnson was the only non-lineman to play every snap with Bryce Young. Although other personnel rotated in, Johnson’s consistency has made him the clear go-to target, a fact solidified during training camp.

Lastly, credit is due to Ike Boettger and Mason Brooks. Both players joined the team just before the Jets game and quickly adapted, not only learning enough of the playbook to be effective in a pinch but also playing significant snaps. Their contributions have earned them well-deserved respect.