CHARLOTTE — The Panthers are looking for their guys on defense to make some plays.

And a couple of young defensive backs did their part Saturday night.

Rookie safety Demani Richardson built on a strong training camp with an interception, one of the highlights in a 15-12 loss to the New York Jets.

The rookie safety from Texas A&M had an interception in the third quarter, which led to a field goal.

Richardson had two picks in practice earlier this week, earning notice from teammates and coaches — in addition to his rendition of Soul For Real's classic "Candy Rain" in the rookie talent show.

He's playing at one of the deeper positions on the roster, with veterans ahead of him on the depth chart. But making plays still attracts attention.

Cornerback Lamar Jackson also had a pass breakup in the end zone, which is the kind of thing that can help as they look for a starter at his position.

With Dane Jackson out for some time with a hamstring injury, the Panthers need someone to start opposite Jaycee Horn in the opener. Jackson, D'Shawn Jamison, and Dicaprio Bootle are in the mix, along with rookie Chau Smith-Wade.

— Running back Dillon Johnsongot the first touchdown of the preseason, just before the gun.

He finished the game with 18 carries for 83 yards, on a night when only two backs were dressed and active.

— Solid showing for the second defensive front again Saturday also.

Defensive lineman T.J. Smith had another sack as he tries to make the rotation up front. He's got experience and has looked good at camp.

Rookie outside linebacker Derrick McLendon lost what would have been an impressive sack (and a quality orchestra conductor celebration) when Lamar Jackson was called for defensive holding behind him.

— Linebacker Tae Davis left the field on a cart and did not return with a foot injury.

A veteran special teamer, Davis joined the team in the middle of last season and was competing for a roster spot.

— The Panthers entered the game with a whopping nine offensive linemen active, up from the seven last week that became five with two injuries.

The best news was that one of the guys who dressed was guard Chandler Zavala.

He left Thursday's joint practice with a hamstring injury, and coach Dave Canales said there was some concern about his condition. But he was well enough to work out pregame and suit up, so that's a good sign.

He and Brady Christensen got to mostly watch, which is cool after they played every snap of last week's game out of necessity.

The Panthers started Tyler Smith at left tackle, Jack Anderson at left guard, Andrew Raym at center, Mason Brooks at right guard, and Ricky Lee at right tackle.

Jeremiah Crawford came in at right tackle in the second half, and Lee moved to the left. Ike Boettger, signed Friday, got in the game in the third quarter at left guard.

— Have we mentioned that the new kickoff rules are very much a work in progress?

After saying they had something cooking earlier this week, Eddy Piñeiro's first chance at it was fielded at the 10 and returned 19 yards to the 29. That's shorter than the 30-yard touchback, so you'll take it.

The next one, less so.

Piñeiro's kickoff to start the second half was fielded at the 5, and returned 63 yards, setting up a Jets field goal to start the second half.

The league changed the rules for player safety, but also to create more explosive returns. They have gotten a few so far as teams acclimate to the new setup.

Later in the third quarter, Piñeiro landed his kickoff at the 24. By rule, any kickoff short of the landing zone (from the goal line to the 20), automatically comes out to the 40. The Jets also added a field goal after that one.

This is the time of year to experiment, so best to get those out of the way now.

There were also multiple missed tackles on a punt return late, which was returned for 31 yards and set up a field goal, meaning there's work to do on special teams this week.