CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carolina Panthers All offseason, it was clear that quarterback play has improved. newly acquired Baker Mayfield Starter or Returning Sam DarnoldThe key to turning around an organisation that has won five games each of the last three seasons will be,
They are hopeful of competition between Mayfield and DarnoldThey will do it as the first and second in interceptions, respectively, since 2018.
But quarterback isn’t the only position where Carolina needs a player to step up. Here’s a look at three who could help coach Matt Rhule’s job security and possibly get the Panthers back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017:
Marshall’s descent from Darnold was the highlight of a minicamp in June. Marshall later called it “just the beginning.’’
LSU’s 2021 second round pick didn’t really get his rookie season underway. While recovering from an injury sustained at college, he was only able to watch most of the offseason workouts. In 13 games, he was limited to just 17 catches for 138 yards with no touchdowns. His longest catch was 23 yards in Week 3.
His inefficiency allowed the opposing defenses focus on him DJ Moore And Robbie AndersonAfter having 95 in 2021, the production of Marshall fell to 53 catches. Marshall’s presence will allow Ben McAdoo to open the offense. Running back Christian McCaffrey is optimistic that will happen, saying he’s seen a “massive leap’’ in Marshall from last year. Rhule said he expects a “ton of production’’ from the 6-foot-2 pass-catcher who can play all three receiver positions.
“In hiring Ben, one of the things for me that was really important was I didn’t want to just utilize one or two players,’’ Rhule said. “I wanted to make sure we had answers for every coverage, we had answers for every blitz. That should give you an idea in terms of what some of my concerns were last year.’’
The loss of a sack leader Haason Reddick The biggest blow to a defense which finished second in last year’s NFL was (11) in free agency. It also wasn’t a surprise because of Reddick’s price tag, as he got a three-year, $45 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.
If Luvu meets the expectations Rhule and defensive coordinator Phil Snow have for him, losing Reddick won’t be much of a blow at all. After he had 1.5 tackles for loss, 8 tackles to lose, and 5 quarterback hits last season, they extended Luvu’s contract for a two-year, $9million extension. They recognized the potential in the player who received the highest grade from Pro Football Focus (84.8). They also saw Luvu’s potential leadership that surfaced during offseason workouts.
“His energy and how he plays he game, that’s really important, and we try to stress that,’’ Snow said. “An average play is six seconds, and if you can get 11 guys to play snap to whistle at a high level and be physical while they’re doing it, then you have a chance to be pretty good on defense. He’s a reflection of that. He’s the brand, the standard.’’
Luvu is flexible in that she can move quickly from one side to the other, and then drop into coverage. This is crucial. The Panthers are looking for another linebacker who can provide coverage to play with. Shaq Thompson Since Luke Kuechly Surprisingly, he has retired from the sport after the 2019 season.
“He’s a big part of our defense,’’ Thompson said of Luvu. “He’s one you can count on to make a play. He’s one you can count on off the field to be there for you.’’
The 2021 pick in the first round Jaycee Horn A right foot injury, resigning Donte Jackson During the offseason, headlines were made about free agency. Henderson, the ninth selection in the 2020 draft by The Jacksonville Jaguars. Carolina traded Henderson last season for Horn after Horn was hurt. He didn’t play a big role as he adjusted to a new system, and then he got lost in the shuffle with the addition of Pro Bowler Stephon Gilmore During the season.
However, Henderson’s talent was only discovered during offseason training sessions. He also clearly benefited from playing with Gilmore who signed with the Indianapolis Colts Free agency
“C.J.’s stepped up big,’’ Thompson said. “He’s out there talking, communicating, playing fast, has a lot of confidence in himself.’’
Steve Wilks would appreciate Henderson’s solid play, and he could allow Horn to play more of a nickel corner in passing situations.
“He’s going to be a big impact on this defense,’’ Thompson predicted.