How to watch, listen and follow: Carolina at Houston in Preseason Week 2

The 75-year-old senior assistant has been like a visiting dignitary this week, since he coached the first Texans teams shortly after coaching the first Panthers teams. And yes, he still loves it.

From an ongoing kicking competition, to a rookie safety, to a WR corps that keeps stepping up, here are five things to watch as the Panthers face the Texans in their second preseason game. 

The Panthers and Texans quarterbacks have known each other for a decade, long before they were picked first and second overall. So Thursday, catching up felt "normal" to them.

CJ Stroud had a statement drive against the Panthers, but Pat Jones II and the defense still took hold of most of the day, with multiple sacks and a stout run defense.

He's not a household name, but he's big and physical, and put the Panthers in position for a touchdown in two-minute with a big play down the sideline.

Dave Canales liked the way the Panthers finished the work against the Texans Thursday, though he thought the extreme heat and humidity led to some "sloppy" play in the middle

As the Panthers prep for joint practice in Houston, you had lots of questions about position battles, hypothetical trades, where the defense stands, comedic geniuses, and more. 

The undrafted rookie has earned more time through training camp, bringing more opportunities, more praise, and more eyes on the rookie. 

The Carolina Panthers hosted PAL, the youth football league through Charlotte-Mecklenberg Police Department, on Tuesday for a joint practice that reminded the NFL players of "their why." 

Even on days when he's not practicing, he's working on one-handed catches or comparing notes with offensive coordinator Brad Idzik in hopes of making himself — and others — better.

Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Patrick Jones II has been flexing out in coverage more and more during training camp, including locking down Dowdle and pulling out the seatbelt celebration.