John Fox is pleased with his team's defensive effort during the preseason
The Carolina Panthers defense continued to turn heads in a 15-7 win over the Tennessee Titans Saturday night.
The offense, however, left many just wanting to turn their heads away,
The starting units played well into the fourth quarter for the Panthers, who are still in search of their first offensive touchdown of the preseason.
Mike Goodson returned a kickoff 91 yards for the only touchdown of the game for the Panthers, who also got three field goals from John Kasay to lock up their first win of the preseason.
The defense continued its recent dominating play, forcing seven sacks, holding Chris Johnson to 10 yards rushing on eight carries, forcing three turnovers, and limiting the Titans to 217 total yards of offense.
The Panthers now have 18 sacks in the preseason.
The offense continued to struggle, however.
“Two of our three biggest playmakers from a year ago haven’t played a snap in the preseason,” Coach John Fox of Carolina said. “I think we’re very young overall and particularly at the receiver position. We’ve still got a lot of work to do.”
Fox was referring to wide receiver Steve Smith (broken arm), who just resumed full practice this week, and running back Jonathan Stewart (Achilles), who is still practicing on a limited basis.
Quarterback Matt Moore threw for 190 yards, completing 18 of 33 passes, but overthrew a wide open Dwayne Jarrett in the first quarter in what would have been a sure touchdown.
Jimmy Clausen was efficient when he entered in the fourth quarter, completing 4 of 5 passes for 79 yards,including a 50-yard completion to Gary Barnidge.