John Fox said his team got what it wanted from the preseason and will now focus on preparing for the New York Giants September 12
The Carolina Panthers failed to score an offensive touchdown during the preseason, but that didn’t seem to matter much to Coach John Fox.
His preparation and game plan for Thursday night’s preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers was to give players seeking a spot on the final 53-man roster one final evaluation before cuts are made Saturday.
Fox had his starters on the sidelines and instead let quarterbacks Hunter Cantwell and Tony Pike run the offense, and even giving rookie Armanti Edwards several snaps in the Panthers’ version of the “Wildcat” they call the “Mountaineer” formation based on Edwards’ college team, Appalachian State.
Cantwell and Pike did exactly what projected starter Matt Moore and backup Jimmy Clausen managed to do in the preseason, which was to not lead the offense to any touchdown drives.
Cantwell started and finished 6 of 9 for 36 yards, while Pike played the second half and went 10 of 18 for 44 yards.
There was also no Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams, or Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers’ top three playmakers. Both Stewart and Smith did not play a single down during the preseason.
“I think the key was getting our starters ready and healthy,” Fox said. ”We didn’t get anybody nicked up and we will be full speed ahead for New York.”
Carolina will open its season September 12th against the New York Giants.