Ask The Old Guy: Change is inevitable, and it's coming (2024)

CHARLOTTE — It's always a weird practice, that last one with 90 guys on the field, or at least 90 minus the guys dealing with injuries. It's crowded, no matter how many practice fields you spread them out on. It's looked that way since May.

But when the Panthers get back from Buffalo, there are going to be a lot fewer of them, which makes this a consequential weekend.

Make what you want of starters playing preseason snaps — the games themselves have been devalued to the point that their evaluative value is questionable, if not dubious — but it's also a last chance for others.

But the real news will hit when they return, and the front office starts cutting from 90 to 53 by Tuesday afternoon's deadline. When the team walks on the practice field then, it will look like the rapture and more than 40 percent of them have disappeared. It will normalize on Wednesday when they add back the 16-man practice squad, and the in-season roster is effectively 69. It's visually jarring.

There's a lot of stuff to happen between now and then, and a little bit of it will happen on the football field itself. We'll get to as much as we can until then, which should make for a hectic next five or six days.

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I feel like not enough has been made regarding the pass rush lately. I know that we signed Jadeveon Clowney, and that is fantastic for more than just in-game reasons. I also know Rome wasn't built in a day. But what's the deal with D.J. Wonnum?

Haven't heard too many rave reviews about the pass rush in camp from DJ Johnson, K'Lavon Chaisson, or even Eku Leota outside of preseason Game 1. So, yeah, Wonnum? From what I can tell, he had a setback, but is there a possibility he goes on IR, or is this someone the Panthers can still count on? He is important. — John, Matthews, NC

I guess everything's a matter of perspective. From where I sit, it seems like the lack of known commodities at outside linebacker is one of the first things discussed about this team. They're not deep at the position even with a healthy Wonnum, and they don't have one of those yet.

After the "setback" you referred to following his quad surgery, Wonnum remains on the physically unable to perform list. And yes, he's important. But his health is the key to this, and once he's cleared, then you consider the next steps.

Tackle Yosh Nijman was cleared Thursday to resume practicing, but Wonnum's still working his way back. He comes out midway through practice with Jonathon Brooks and Amaré Barno (coming off ACL tears) after getting their work in elsewhere. Since he hasn't practiced yet this offseason, it seems reasonable to assume Wonnum could begin the year on the PUP list, which would rule him out for the first four weeks.

But yes, that's an area they're going to be looking at closely next week when teams start waiving players. The Panthers get first dibs on anyone waived (meaning players in their first four seasons), but that doesn't always mean they'll find one.

Pass-rushers are a rare and valuable commodity, and if a team thinks they have a guy with even the potential to become one, they will hang onto him with both hands. So they'll look at the guys who shake free, aware that there might not be a lot there, and try to make the best with what they've got.

The good news is that Ejiro Evero is quite good at his job, and you can dial up pressure a number of ways rather than just letting a guy pin his ears back and rush. The Panthers should have a stronger foundation of run defense this year, and that creates opportunities to do different things on obvious passing downs. But yes, they need more dudes there besides Clowney. Stay tuned.

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What's up with the affinity of having a "Jackson" in the CB room? Traded Donte away, signed Dane Jackson and Lamar, and just recently traded for Mike Jackson. It seems imperative at this point that a Jackson or two will be on the field for the Panthers this year. — Kevin, Middletown, DE

Mostly, they did it so we could have fun with puns, and we'll all stand by until they add three more, and then it really gets going.

Wait until they sign 325-pound guard Tito to the practice squad. Check that, I'm being told that was actually Gabe Jackson, one of the many fine guards who appeared in a game last year. (And if you sing "Many Fine Guards" to the tune of "Pretty Young Thing," that'll be in your head the rest of the day. Na-na-na. [Na-na-na.] Na-na-na-na. [Na-na-na-na.] You're welcome.)

At any rate, the Thursday trade for Michael (he's gone by Mike in the past; that's how he's listed on the roster, and he's probably dreadfully tired of hearing the jokes) was a solid piece of business.

He has started reliably in the league, all 17 games for the Seahawks two years ago. As you may have heard, a lot of people on this staff were familiar with him during that time, including special teams coordinator Tracy Smith, who saw that 85-yard touchdown return of a blocked field goal two years ago.

This blocked FG is a THRILLER. Michael Jackson takes it 85 yards to the crib!

📺: #SEAvsSF on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/5seLjDGe69 pic.twitter.com/VV3gINLa5B

— NFL (@NFL) September 18, 2022

When you think about it, his resume is fairly similar to Dane Jackson's — a physical guy with size, who has put productive tape out into the world. Definitely solid, if not spectacular, but certainly a guy you can trust to start and play. That's something they were looking for when Dane was injured since he's expected to miss the start of the regular season.

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I've been hearing good things about the rookies. Which defensive rookie do you think may have the biggest impact by season's end? — Jackson, Leland, NC

People often ask me if these questions are made up, and this is my solemn vow: this is an organic Mailbag. So yes, this next question did come to me from a gentleman named Jackson. You got a problem with that? (Mama se, mama sa, mama coosa?)

Last week, we mentioned third-round linebacker Trevin Wallace has had a very good camp.

Not only does he keep picking off passes (like he did against the Jets in joint practice, taking Aaron Rodgers to the house), but they keep building on what they ask him to do.

The Panthers have the benefit of a couple of trusted interior guys in the middle in Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell. After having none of those last year after Week 2, that's a good thing. It also keeps Wallace from having to bite off more than he can chew as a rookie.

But you can see in practice they're starting to move him around and use him in some different ways. Having a big run-and-hit option gives them some flexibility, and as mentioned above, Evero might need to be flexible in the absence of a full stable of pass-rushers.

Chau Smith-Wade has had a good camp as well. Fifth-rounders are fifth-rounders for a reason, and his size makes him a less-than-ideal outside guy. But he's always played there, and as he learns nickel behind veteran Troy Hill, he'll continue to develop, because Troy Hill is wise.

You can see a path in which Wallace is starting inside and Smith-Wade is the nickel in a few years, and if you get that out of mid-round picks, that makes for the start of a good draft. (And swapping a seventh-rounder like Michael Barrett for a perfectly useful cornerback like Jackson is also a very good use of draft capital.)

Another one for Trevin pic.twitter.com/N7FMjok8eU

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 20, 2024

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One often-used quote in football is, "Next man up." If Diontae Johnson misses an extended period of time, who will lineup in two-wide receiver sets? — Edwin, Fairfax, VA

The good news is there's no current indication that Diontae's missing time. The bigger question might be, are they often in two-wide sets? The most common personnel grouping is with three wides, and in a world without Diontae, that leaves Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo, and Xavier Legette as the next guys in the rotation. Mingo has looked much better this camp than when we saw him last, at the tail end of a lost 2023 season. That work with Professor 89 has obviously helped.

There are some questions about what it looks like after that, and roster cuts will shine some light on those plans. It's going to be as complicated a set of decisions as they'll make.

Terrace Marshall Jr. has had a good last few weeks and still has the kind of size-speed combination to make him a compelling prospect, but he doesn't really have a role on special teams, and that's harder to justify for a fifth receiver. (Fifth receivers are often cats like Brandon Zylstra, who can play all three spots and cover punts and also kick if you need him to.) Ihmir Smith-Marsette is a good return option and has the kind of shake to make him dangerous in space, but that hasn't always translated into games. David Moore's also in the mix, and Dave Canales knows well that Moore has the ability to come in on short notice, produce, and help on special teams. So, seeing how those pieces fit into the 53-piece puzzle by Tuesday will be interesting, especially since we don't know if they'll keep five or six, depending on needs at other spots.

Terrace was in the end zone all day today pic.twitter.com/6CKUQAVqVX

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 15, 2024

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Not a football issue but an important one that I know is dear to your heart. Please remind folks to check their voter registration to make sure everything is as it should be. Early voting will begin on Oct. 17th, and as always, this is an important election. Thank you for volunteering for each election and setting an example. And bravo to Dave Canales for making a video encouraging folks to vote. Thank you both. — Connie, Charlotte

Absolutely, I will do this.

As Connie helpfully reminded, you can easily check your registration so you can make sure you're registered for this election. Our friends at the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections have all the pertinent information here.

If you don't happen to live in Mecklenburg County, you can begin at this link, and find the appropriate info for your state.

I love volunteering as a poll worker because A) it's important work for the republic and B) it helps me feel like part of my community because you see your neighbors and the people who walk dogs by your house, and all the folks who are part of your context that you might not know otherwise. I'm a fan of democracy, everyone can and should participate in it. That local link above also includes the opportunity to sign up to volunteer. The only thing cooler than getting a sticker is being the guy who gets to pass them out.

I've already signed up for my equipment training session we go through before each election to make sure everything is buttoned up, and I have been talking to our precinct's head judge about how to set up our space for what should be a big-turnout election. They should all be big-turnout elections, honestly. Like that Hamilton cat said, don't throw away your shot. Canales didn't, and it's cool that he's part of this effort.

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Woohoo! The season is almost here. In the last conversation, I promised to make and name a burger after the kicker who won the competition. I have created and currently selling the "Eddy Piñeiro Kickin Chicken Burger." It's a southern fried chicken breast with some hot spices in the breading, our famous homemade kickin' chicken sauce, bread and butter pickles, and jalapeño cheese on a toasted Hawaiian bun. It was absolutely a game-changer, and our first customer's name was JJ, of all names. I thought that was hilarious, considering you told me he's a hamburger specialist. There you go, buddy! I delivered on my promise, now I can't wait to see how our season turns out. Keep your spirits upright and Keep Pounding. — David, Farmington, MO

On the list of Top 10 things I love in this world, fried chicken is right up there with democracy.

That's amazing, David.

Piñeiro has had a good camp, which is to be expected. He's a steady and reliable kicker, having hit 90.6 percent of his field goals in his two years here.

And while Jansen eats more hamburgers than perhaps anyone I know, I feel like he'd make an exception for one of those. I know I would.

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Darin, not a question but an observation. Dan Morgan and Brandon Beane (Bills GM) have worked together, are friends, and are now competitors. I would say that Morgan is a protégée of Brandon Beane. It will be interesting to see if they sit together at the next preseason game. If they do, I hope Morgan makes a trade for Mike Edwards, guard, Will Clapp, center/guard, and Zack Davidson, tight end. All will be on display at the next game. It would be worth a couple of late-round draft picks for three players. Gives the Panthers immediate depth on the O-line and a 6'7" target for Bryce. All have NFL experience and are available to help now. Will be interesting if the two GMs make another trade. — Matt, Waxhaw, NC

That's a bold suggestion. And honestly, I'm sure those two have spoken recently, certainly before they run into each other pre-game tomorrow. They are quite close, as you can tell from the throwback picture below from when Morgan was with the Bills, along with now-Giants GM Joe Schoen.

While the temptation to make deals for now is real (and something they're considering), my suspicion is Morgan is far more interested in player-for-player swaps than pick-for-player (like Thursday's deal for Mike Jackson.)

They want to get out of the business of trading away draft picks if they can so they can build up their stock of picks in the future, as evidenced by the draft weekend deal to get the Rams' second-rounder next year. (You can see their full list of 2025 draft picks here.)

But yes, I imagine Dan has already scanned Brandon's roster to see if there are things there he could use. He's been buried in personnel meetings where they're looking at potential acquisitions or waiver claims as he tries to upgrade a number of areas on the roster.

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Not a question, just another praise. I was literally going to ask you a question today about the practice against the Jets. Through some Jedi mind trick, you answered my questions before I asked. I applaud you, sir! Keep up the good work. I also appreciate the video content your department is putting out for the fans; it's very good. Just a thank you, and I appreciate it. — JP, Yadkinville, NC

Unlike those droids, this is the Mailbag you're looking for. (Waves hand slowly and wisely; you immediately agree with me.)

The only bad news is that they're reportedly not making Season 2 of "The Acolyte." I will, without reservation or hesitation, consume any and all Star Wars content that Disney wants to produce, especially if it has Wookiees or Yodas (old or young). And it wasn't even the worst of the new TV shows. "Book of Boba Fett," with that weird Scooby Doo gang of half-robot kids on scooters, was a good idea, poorly executed.

And even though you didn't ask, it made me think of my all-time power rankings of Star Wars characters:

1) Chewbacca (Always working. Loyal. Doesn't complain even when he gets screwed out of the medal he deserves and the show ponies do. Just wants to eat his roast porg in peace.)
2) Yoda (Wise beyond his 900 years. He's the Appalachian State football program of the galaxy. Underestimate him based on size at your own risk).
3) Lando Calrissian (Classic hooker with a heart of gold. Sportsman. After his redemption arc, came back for the fight with his main man Nien Nunb, hits the big shots when the clock is ticking, and was always smooth.)
4) Din Djarin (Not just because his name is spelled in a cool way like mine, but seriously, The Mandolorian whips more ass than anyone and is secretly a big softie.)
5) Admiral Ackbar ("It's a trap." This man knows it can always get worse.)

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And on that note, let's go lightning round, brought to you by the patron saint of the lightning round Jeff from Fuquay-Varina, to close it out this week.

Since you're going to Buffalo this weekend, drums or flats? — Cliff, Cornelius, NC

Whichever, I don't discriminate. But never boneless wings. Those are just nuggets for alleged adults.

No questions yet, let's see how the season shapes up. — Elizabeth, Winston-Salem, NC

Whoa, Elizabeth just blew my mind. Not only is she a conscientious objector while also participating in a Mailbag, but she's also exhibiting the kind of restraint we should all admire. I'm making her this week's Friend Of The Mailbag, but I'm also considering putting her in charge of my 401K for that kind of control from overreacting.

Hi Darin! No football question today. Do you know if the Fish Sandwich is available during October at Bojangles? Most specifically, around the weekend of the Falcons game? Thanks! — Fernando, São Paulo, Brazil

From your lips to Bo-Linda's ears. I wish, but so far, they're only selling the Bojangler during Lent. The new wings are really good, but I'd kick somebody in the shins (and I have a power rankings of suspects for that, too) for a delicious fish sandwich on a biscuit instead of a bun right now.

Is Matt Paradis still playing for the Panthers? I am wondering because I am his cousin. — Regan, New Plymouth, ID

He isn't, and hasn't, since he went on injured reserve in November 2021 with a torn ACL. I'm guessing he's recovered since then, but also that the Paradis Family Reunion is a little behind schedule.

If anyone thinks these questions are planted, let this also stand as evidence. You couldn't make that one up.