Hello CSR! We’re into week 1 (technically) of the preseason as the Panthers will play their first game with some starters mixing in. The Bills also intend to mix some of their starters in, but whether both teams play an equal number of snaps with their starters is always a toss up during the preseason. The Bills don’t really have much to prove on offense as an annual playoff contender, while the Panthers could potentially play starters a little bit longer as a team on the upswing, with question marks. Let’s dive into the Panthers defense vs the Bills offense!
Important snaps for EDGE Princely Umanmielen
The Panthers signed Jaelan Phillips to be their top edge guy, and have Patrick Jones returning from injury slated as their starters. Jones was held out of practice Wednesday with what the team called an “illness”, but regardless of that I’d expect both those players not to play more than a handful of snaps. However, Princely Umanmielen is slated to have an opportunity as the team’s primary designated pass rusher, and I think they give him a lot more snaps in this game than the top two. Getting Princely out in front of the Bills starting (or close to starting) offensive line should be a great status check on where his development is at. He’s the guy I’m excited to see the most on defense.
Inside Linebacker competition
Dave Canales announced this week that the ILB spot next to 2026 free agent acquisition Devin Lloyd was currently a competition between 2024 3rd round pick Trevin Wallace and 2023 UDFA acquisition Claudin Cherelus. I don’t think Lloyd will play a ton either, probably will end up off the field once the set in stone starters are done getting their reps in. However, this competition is very important for the Panthers, as that 2nd linebacker spot will matter in both base defenses and in nickel packages calling for two linebackers in coverage. In theory, this job was Wallace’s to lose, but between inconsistent play and injury, the guy who has filled in many times in Wallace’s absence has a strong chance to take the job. Both should have plenty of chances to make plays in the passing game and rushing game on Saturday.
Lathan Ransom gets another shot to shine
Ransom has been one of the highlights of the preseason, consistently laying the wood and making hits from his safety position. Fans have often called for him to be the starter next to Tre’Von Moehrig, and while I have said all off-season Nick Scott isn’t going anywhere, Ransom is certainly making me sweat in my special teams ace boots. Ransom should get a ton of time with the 1s and 2s as a starter, and this is his time to show it.
What are you looking for from the defense on Sunday, Panthers fans?