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6 biggest winners from Panthers' preseason loss to Jets

Aug 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers safety Demani Richardson (36) hits New York Jets running back Deon Jackson (38)during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers safety Demani Richardson (36) hits New York Jets running back Deon Jackson (38)during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers couldn't jump off the schneid on Saturday night—falling to the visiting New York Jets, 15-12, in their second preseason outing of the summer. But that doesn't mean every Panther left the field with a big ol' L.

Here are the six biggest winners from the exhibition:

RB Dillon Johnson

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 08: Dillon Johnson #28 of the Carolina Panthers gets tackled by Steele Chambers #43 of the New England Patriots during the second half of a preseason game at Gillette Stadium on August 08, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 08: Dillon Johnson #28 of the Carolina Panthers gets tackled by Steele Chambers #43 of the New England Patriots during the second half of a preseason game at Gillette Stadium on August 08, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)

Johnson was the Panthers offense, as his game-high 83 rushing yards accounted for over half of the team's output. Plus, his 2-yard touchdown as time expired was Carolina's first visit to the end zone in their last four games.

Unfortunately for Johnson, his chances of making the initial 53-man roster are still essentially non-existent given how crowded the backfield is. But the undrafted rookie put together some eye-opening tape for a potential opportunity elsewhere.

WR Terrace Marshall Jr.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 17: Terrace Marshall Jr. #88 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a first-down catch against the New York Jets during the first quarter of their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 17: Terrace Marshall Jr. #88 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a first-down catch against the New York Jets during the first quarter of their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

The fourth-year wideout followed up a productive (and pugnacious) practice against the Jets with a fine sample-sized outing. Marshall Jr. reeled in grabs of five and nine yards during the offense's second possession, moving the chains on the latter.

Oh, and he didn't show up the defense on his receptions either. So it may be safe to say that he played smart football this time around while vying for a regular-season spot in the team's receivers room.

TE Ja'Tavion Sanders

Aug 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. (88) runs after the catch during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. (88) runs after the catch during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Sanders led Carolina with 22 receiving yards on two catches. (Yes, the leading receiver accumulated just 22 yards.)

Anyway, the rookie looked solid on his pair of snags—utilizing his strong hands and, on his first, impressively absorbing a bit of contact from Jets cornerback Brandin Echols. This latest offering from Sanders is further proof that his development to this point is very encouraging.

DL T.J. Smith

August 8, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots guard Michael Jordan (74) and offensive tackle Caedan Wallace (70) protect the quarterback from Carolina Panthers defensive tackle T.J. Smith (97) at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
August 8, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots guard Michael Jordan (74) and offensive tackle Caedan Wallace (70) protect the quarterback from Carolina Panthers defensive tackle T.J. Smith (97) at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Smith was one of two Panthers to record a sack in last week's preseason opener. And on Saturday, he was one of one.

S Jammie Robinson

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Robinson was all over the turf on Saturday night, racking up a game-high seven tackles. With the Panthers searching for depth in their secondary, especially after the recent injuries to cornerback Dane Jackson and safety Xavier Woods, last year's fifth-rounder is making a case for himself.

S Demani Richardson

Jul 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers safety Demani Richardson (36) walks to practice at Carolina Panthers Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers safety Demani Richardson (36) walks to practice at Carolina Panthers Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The undrafted rookie continued his defense's stingy vibe from the past week, recording the only takeaway of the contest. Richardson picked off an overthrow from Jets quarterback and 2024 UFL MVP Adrian Martinez and ran the interception back for a 29-yard return.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 6 biggest winners from Panthers' preseason loss to Jets