But their next few series on Thursday were lackluster. The Panthers' defense ramped up the intensity. Carolina cornerback Mike Jackson intercepted Stroud on a goal-line play where Stroud appeared to slightly overthrow his intended target. It was a miraculous catch by Jackson, who might have taken it back for a touchdown.

The Panthers and Texans battled in a competitive joint practice Thursday. The Observer was in Houston to track news, notes and highlights.

The Houston Texans played their first preseason game against the Vikings in Minnesota last weekend, and are now heading into their first home matchup, this time against the Carolina Panthers. Carolina probably feels very up in the air about their quarterback Bryce Young,