The Carolina Panthers are coming off of a 27-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills in their second preseason game on Friday night, but by now, we know that the preseason isn't about wins and losses: it's about progression and the young guys who are fighting for roster spots.
So, while the big names like Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey weren't on the field on Friday evening, there were still a few Panthers players who stood out.
Here are three of the biggest performances from Carolina players in the team's second exhibition contest.
3. Rashad Ross, Wide Receiver
Rashad Ross probably doesn't stand much of a chance of producing much for the Panthers during the regular season, and that's if he even makes the 53-man roster.
But he had a solid outing on Friday night, catching three passes for 28 yards and a touchdown.
Already 29 years old, you have to wonder if Ross will ever be able to find his footing in the NFL again. He last played with the Washington Redskins back in 2016, when he logged just one catch.
He did haul in 28 receptions for 684 yards and a touchdown back in 2015, but that was pretty much the extent of his production on the NFL level.
But it's always good to see a guy get a chance, and that seems to be what Ross is getting right now.
2. Jermaine Carter, Linebacker
The Panthers drafted Jermaine Carter in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, and he went on to play in all 16 games for the club during his rookie campaign, logging 13 tackles. But there is reason to believe that Carter could be a productive member of the defense at some point in the future, and that was on display Friday night, when he recorded seven tackles.
Carter was a monster at Maryland, putting together a couple of seasons with over 100 tackles, and during his junior campaign, he also posted six sacks and an interception.
The thing with Carter is that he doesn't have a great size for the linebacker position at six feet tall and about 225 pounds, but he clearly has great instincts and can make plays.
Whether or not his collegiate production translates into the pros remains to be seen, but there is no doubt this kid has talent.
1. Taylor Heinicke, Quarterback
Taylor Heinicke is fighting for a roster spot, and on Friday night, he made the most of his opportunity, completing eight of his 12 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown.
What made the night even better for Heinicke is that the two quarterbacks with whom he is battling for a spot on the 53-man roster, Will Grier and Kyle Allen, both played worse than him.
Heinicke actually started a game for the Panthers late last season with Newton sidelined with shoulder issues, so Carolina is somewhat familiar with what he can do.
Chances are, Grier, a third-round pick of the Panthers from back in April, will be making the team, so it might just come down to Heinicke against Allen, and Heinicke may very well have the edge, especially after this preseason outing.
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