There are only a few weeks left of NFL training camp before the real games start. Still, this time is valuable for many starters to prepare for the regular season. Joint practices have become an invaluable way to play against another team without risking injuries in a preseason game. On Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans dueled in a joint practice.
This was a tough test for Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who had to go against one of the best defenses in the NFL. To say the least, it was a tough day at the office for the fourth-year quarterback. Young had a tough time finding completions, and if this were a real game, he would have been on the ground plenty. The NFL world saw the practice results and was shocked by how rough it was on the Panthers.
NFL World Reacts to Texans’ Dominant Defense
According to Chase Justice, the Panthers’ offense was dominated by the Texans’ defense in practice. Justice said, “Bryce Young 9-17, 2 INTs, 7 sacks.”
Getting sacked seven times in a joint practice is hard, but it shows how dominant the Texans’ defensive line was against the Panthers’ starting offensive line.
The NFL world on social media was in full awe of the Texans’ defense, and here’s how they reacted:
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Edgar Salmingo Jr. said, “Does that say 7 sacks…Yikes.”
This close to the season, it is never ideal to look that poor in a practice; however, the Panthers still have time to correct things. They are coming off a surprising season in which they made the playoffs despite average play from their quarterback. Many hope Young will be better this season, but his stats in this joint practice are concerning.
NFL analyst Warren Sharp was surprised by how poorly Young performed against the Texans’ defense and shared a meme of Homelander from “The Boys” along with Young’s stat line.
7 sacks & 2 INTs & 53% comp in a practice https://t.co/p7yOiRtsJ3 pic.twitter.com/1Rd2qVYZea
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 26, 2026
It is hard to tell what these teams are working on and how much of their playbook they are showing during joint practices. Maybe the Panthers were holding things back, but the lack of pass protection is concerning no matter what plays were called.
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Even Panthers Culture on X was shocked by the offense’s lack of success, saying, “That say what?”
That say what? https://t.co/wiWSgBzEg7 pic.twitter.com/EsBK2z5SXK
— Panthers Culture 🥷🏽 (@PanthersCulture) August 26, 2026
While much of the talk is about the Panthers’ offense, much credit should go to the Texans’ defense, which looks loaded once again. Despite their offensive struggles last season, the Texans were carried by their defense all the way to the Divisional Round.
Ted Nguyen believes another elite season is coming; he said, “lol Texans defense is just monstrous.”
lol Texans defense is just monstrous https://t.co/zfetZJOSbu
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) August 26, 2026
Last season, the Texans ranked first in yards and second in points allowed per game. According to PFN’s Defense Impact Metric, Houston posted an impact score of 93.4, ranking second only to the Seattle Seahawks.
Having another season like that would be historic. Some think they may even be better than last season’s Denver Broncos.
Bird Law Expert said, “I know it’s impossible to dismiss Stroud’s last start, but if he’s even average, the Texans will be an absolute force in the AFC. On paper they’re a better team than, say, the Broncos, for example, in almost every way.”
Raiders Beat on X added, “The Texans are legit.”
The Texans are going to be a team to be reckoned with all season, and their success will ultimately rely on their offense.
That seems to be the consensus around the NFL, and while the Panthers got dominated in this joint practice, their offense may be better for it come the regular season.
