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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Dave Kluge, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 1
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Bryce Young is having what beat writers are calling the best camp of his career. Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer had this to say about Young: "He's playing with a level of comfort and decisiveness that we didn't see at this time last year. The ball is coming out on time, and he's not second-guessing his reads downfield." Joe Person of The Athletic added: "The trust factor between Bryce and Dave Canales is obvious. Canales is letting him push the envelope in 7-on-7 and team drills, and Young is delivering with tighter placement on boundary routes." Young is throwing with anticipation into tight coverage, connecting on deep shots, and showing command of HC Dave Canales' system as he enters his third year with the coach. His willingness to trust his receivers on 50-50 balls is giving his ceiling a noticeable boost heading into year four. While Young did not appear in the Hall of Fame Game, Haynes King put together a strong performance, capped by a game-winning drive and touchdown run. Kenny Pickett isn't losing ground despite King's strong debut. Pickett continues to take all the second-team reps and remains firmly entrenched as Young's backup. He started the game, took the first three drives, and finished 8-of-11 for 62 yards with no touchdowns or turnovers — a quiet but steady performance that did nothing to put his hold on the backup role in jeopardy.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Chuba Hubbard enters his sixth NFL season — all with Carolina — and his third under Canales. He remains the undisputed lead back, taking the majority of first-team snaps in early practices. With the coaching staff carefully managing Jonathon Brooks' workload following his injury recovery, Hubbard has total control of the primary touches, at least for now. Canales on Hubbard: "He looked explosive, and he looked strong and really brought an attitude to our group... All he wants to do is win. And all he wants to do is help his teammates. He's just a first-class pro. Chuba has meant a lot to this organization, certainly to the identity that we want to build our team on." Former teammate Rico Dowdle added, "That guy works harder than anybody I've ever seen. That man is first on the field, first in the building, last off the field doing extra." Brooks is bringing his own energy and excitement to the backfield. Canales on Brooks: "He feels great. He feels strong. He looks fast; he looks like the guy that I remember, and I'm really excited for that." Canales added, "I'm really looking forward to just the hard work that JB has had to do over the last couple of years to get him to this point... It takes emotional and mental resiliency to go through that training twice, to get himself back. He's flying around. He's big, he's beautiful looking... He's one of the more powerful, explosive athletes that we have. He's going to have an opportunity to compete to start for this team." Undrafted free agent Miles Davis was the breakout back in the Hall of Fame Game, leading the Panthers with 53 rushing yards on four carries — highlighted by a 36-yard burst — and catching all three targets. A.J. Dillon handled goal-line work with a short touchdown, but Davis significantly boosted his stock in the battle for a backend roster spot.
