After a thrilling win to start their preseason in Canton, Ohio, the Carolina Panthers turned in an absolute stinker on the road this weekend against the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo beat the Carolina up at the line of scrimmage, and most other places, while the Panthers offense didn't find its footing until the end result was already well determined. There were, however, some silver linings to be found in the 29-14 defeat. The Panthers' edge rusher group did a pretty good job of getting pressure on Bills superstar Josh Allen—who is probably the most difficult quarterback to sack in the game right now. And that push was led by the team's biggest addition from the offseason, outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips. Carolina fans were thrilled at what they saw in Phillips' preseason debut, where he tallied a sack and another pressure on the game's opening drive. Here's what they're saying . . .
Still can’t believe we got this guy. Please stay healthy Jaelan https://t.co/L6BkdpAbT5 — John Fauxgerty (@_flyentologist) August 15, 2026
JAELAN PHILLIPS A GAME CHANGER ON DEFENSE AND HE IS ALL OURS pic.twitter.com/rvw4yyre9M — Roaring Riot (@roaringriot) August 15, 2026
so Jaelan Phillips seems as advertised🙏🏼 — iBLsmooth (@iBLsmooth) August 15, 2026
Jaelan Phillips is a wrecker man omg — CLTPLUGZ (@Panther_Plugz_) August 15, 2026
Jaelan Phillips 🔥 we need this pass rush this year — Armandoavenue (@Armandoavenu3) August 15, 2026
JAELAN PHILLIPS IS WORTH THE MONEY #KeepPounding — Justin Dolloff (@JustinDolloff) August 15, 2026
I’m gonna love Jaelan Phillips in Charlotte — Katieeee (@katieweavil) August 15, 2026
Jaelan Phillips. Sweet Lord. I’m in love. — Travis Hancock (@TBoneWFNZ) August 15, 2026 Phillips wasn't the only new face on the Panthers who impressed, though. Carolina's other big-ticket item in free agency, inside linebacker Devin Lloyd also had a strong debut in limited action. Lloyd led the first-team defense in tackles (three), including one for a loss. Lloyd is also getting rave reviews for his first exhibition in process blue . . .
You gotta love seeing this out of your middle LB Devin Lloyd reads this all the way and takes down James Cook for a loss pic.twitter.com/cGVmDCNI3r — Edgar Salmingo, Jr. ✌🏽 (@PanthersAnalyst) August 15, 2026
Devin Lloyd looking real Lukeish here pic.twitter.com/2jMIFXzBUe — Panthers Highlts 🖤💙 (@PanthersHighlts) August 16, 2026
Devin Lloyd wearing #55 is so refreshing to see. We used to be a proper country where LB’s always had 50’s — Patrick 🎱 (@Baller85son) August 15, 2026
Devin Lloyd no one will wear 55 after you https://t.co/8yqBDtbMft — 99 (@passthechill) August 16, 2026
God I’m excited for Devin Lloyd with this defense — Panthers On Tap (@PanthersOnTap) August 15, 2026
Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips look like the best two players on the field for us lmao — The Real Ball Watcher (@thaRBW) August 15, 2026 As we saw on Saturday, a whole lot can still go wrong for this team. But if these two play well in 2026, it should go a long way towards bringing what was an average defense last season up to the next level. Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content. This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers' big FA adds impress in preseason debut: Fans react to Jaelan Phillips, Devin Lloyd