QB Cam Newton only played three series in Carolina's 26-13 loss to Houston, and two of them were three-and-outs. He finished 2 of 6 for 17 yards and ran twice for 16. More important for the Panthers, he managed to avoid injury, even after getting sacked for a 10-yard loss.
Kuechly’s a keeper: LB Luke Kuechly was Carolina’s first-round pick in the 2012 Draft after setting an NCAA record with 14 tackles a game at Boston College. In his first game as a Panther in Saturday’s preseason opener, Kuechly started at MLB and had four tackles and a forced fumble on Houston’s first nine offensive snaps. “Luke came out and showed what he’s capable of doing,” coach Ron Rivera said.
Kicking battle: Ks Olindo Mare and Justin Medlock each made one FG and didn’t miss any. Medlock had the edge in distance -- 48 yards to 33, but he also earned the wrath of coach Rivera on Trindon Holliday’s 90-yard kickoff return. Medlock’s kickoff only went to the 10-yard line, giving Holliday a head start on the coverage. “It all starts with the kick being short,” Rivera said. “Any time the returner can catch the ball going forward like he did, it doesn’t give your coverage the chance to get down and get in position.”
Get him the ball: Rookie Joe Adams had 20 yards on two kickoff returns, broke several tackles on a rambling 34-yard punt return, and had an end-around for four yards. “Joe Adams is dynamic,” Rivera said. “Hold on to your britches when he’s in the game, because you don’t know what’s going to come.”
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Carolina Panthers from blogger Shawn Krest, follow@CBSSportsNFLCAR.
