The Panthers continued their recent pattern of preseason futility (3-9 in the last three years) with a disappointing 17-12 loss against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday. It was a typically sloppy game filled with turnovers, flags, and a persistent downpour that only made it worse. Although the Panthers come out of this game with more questions than answers, that is to be expected at this time of year. They played decently and set the foundation for improvement that should happen by next week. 

Here is a summary of who surprised us by their worthy efforts and who failed miserably to start the season off on the wrong foot.

The Good

Offense - Matt Moore's stat sheet may not have been impressive (4/7 for 32 yards), but he wasn't that bad in his first game back. The offensive line didn't do a good job of protecting him and two long completions of Moore's were called back because of penalties. DeAngelo Williams looked like he was in midseason form with five carries for 33 yards, as did pretty much every other Panthers' running back. Tyrell Sutton gained 52 yards on seven touches and undrafted rookie Josh Vaughn ran the ball 11 times for 48 yards.

Kenny Moore had a spectacular 25-yard catch and Dwayne Jarrett snagged a bullet at 18 yards that was called back due to penalties. Jimmy Clausen looked confident and poised in the pocket, cementing his spot as the No. 2 QB. He was the only quarterback able to move the ball consistently and caused the ESPN announcers to gush over him for the better part of an hour.

Defense - The pass rush was a big question mark for the Panthers entering the preseason, but if their D-line keeps playing like that, it won't be. They sacked the Ravens' QB six times and forced three fumbles, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Veteran starter Tyler Brayton beat Michael "The Blind Side" Oher for a sack twice, as did rookie Greg Hardy later on against the second-stringers.

Nick Hayden and Eric Norwood each got a sack and a fumble, in addition to Eric Moore's TD-causing strip. The second and third string defenses held the Ravens' backup offense for most of the night and were solid against the run.

Special Teams: John Kasay made two field goals from 37 and 45 yards, respectively, as Jason Baker pinned multiple punts inside the ten.

The Bad

Offense - The offensive line was flagged for six penalties totaling 45 yards (Jordan Gross was responsible for three of them) over the course of the game and showed their rust in pass protection by allowing seven sacks. No receiver caught more than two passes, leaving the competition for the second receiver slot wide open.

Tyrell Sutton fumbled the ball on the one-yard line and robbed the Panthers of a potential score. Armanti Edwards dropped several passes while Dexter Jackson caused a pick by falling down during a route. Backup quarterbacks Cantwell and Pike were inconsistent and ineffectual.

Defense - The Ravens first-team offense dominated the Panthers' top defense and marched down the field twice for a quick 10 points. The linebackers couldn't stop the screen plays and the secondary struggled mightily without Chris Gamble. Captain Munnerlyn gave up a long TD pass to Mark Clayton, but it was probably Charles Godfrey's fault for not getting over there sooner.

Jon Beason was caught out of position a couple of times and looked like he's still adjusting to his new role on the weak side. The backup defense was solid but had some struggles in the secondary.

Special Teams: Jason Baker had a Tony Romo-esque bobbled field goal snap while the young special teams unit allowed a 57-yard punt return that set up a score.