North Charlotte Today

The Panthers defense faced significant challenges in their recent game against the Bengals, losing two key players during the match. Inside linebackers Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell both exited the 34-24 loss on the same drive due to injuries.

Cornerback Jaycee Horn expressed concern for his teammates: "I was asking around after the game like what was wrong with him," he said about Thompson. "I probably circle back with him tonight and make sure he good. But I definitely, you know, hate to see him going down."

Thompson left with an ankle injury late in the third quarter. Head coach Canales stated, "We're evaluating Shaq right now. There's something in his lower leg... we don't know until we get the MRI and get that information." Shortly after, Jewell exited with groin and hamstring injuries.

Despite these setbacks, Horn emphasized resilience: "Somebody goes down, that don't mean you throwing in a towel... it's a standard no matter who in there."

Rookie Trevin Wallace and second-year linebacker Claudin Cherelus stepped up following the injuries. Wallace took over play-calling duties, which he had practiced during OTAs. Canales praised Wallace's performance: "He did a great job just getting things organized and communicated."

DeShawn Williams also commended Wallace: "He did good... He didn't show like he was a rookie today." Both Wallace and Cherelus managed to fill gaps left by Thompson and Jewell effectively.

However, the Panthers' defense struggled overall, allowing touchdowns on four consecutive drives by the Bengals. Williams noted execution issues: "It wasn't so much what they did; it was just what we weren't doing... I think we watch this film; I think we will all agree like it's on us."

Cherelus added insights into defensive lapses: "Just throughout the game, there was a little bleeding... really just testing your eyes and making sure you're playing true to your keys."

The Bengals amassed 141 rushing yards at an average of 4.5 per rush. The Panthers found it difficult to stop Cincinnati's jumbo package plays despite knowing where the ball would go.

Williams highlighted fundamental errors such as missed tackles: "We weren't wrapping up... We'd miss a tackle or two and that's not us." These mistakes contributed to explosive plays by Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Horn acknowledged pre-game goals were unmet but saw some improvement later: "We came in with the goal of limiting their explosive plays... there's a small margin of error in this league."

Two defensive pass interference calls further hindered efforts, one involving Mike Jackson at the 4-yard line and another on Horn himself in the end zone.

Horn explained his call against Tee Higgins: "It's tough... He came off the ball, had both hands in my chest... but I mean, it is what it is; that's the life of a corner."

Awaiting updates on their injured linebackers' status remains crucial for future games. If negative news emerges, Wallace will prepare under guidance from Thompson’s offseason advice.

"Shaq always tells me if I go down, you up," shared Wallace. "(Thompson) was watching it (in training room), he told me I looked good out there like comfortable… This is why you're here.”