Cat Scratch Reader
One player stood out as a small glimmer of hope in another week of darkness.
The Carolina Panthers were steamrolled by an actual NFL team on Sunday, as the weekly traditions states will happen. In what has become a rather familiar script, Dave Canales’ offense got off to a strong start and gave the Panthers an early lead, but they quickly went off the rails and stopped moving the ball. They only lost by two touchdowns, but that was almost a favor from the Broncos. After letting Bo Nix loose in the first half, the Broncos dialed back the passing game in favor of a running game that wasn’t working. They felt comfortable enough with their lead that they faked a 60 yard field goal and called a double pass on fourth down. They knew the Panthers weren’t a threat.
The Panthers offense was toothless once again. They manufactured a short scoring drive after a Broncos fumble, but they were unable to string together the error free series of plays this team needs to score after that. A single penalty or failed play was enough to completely thwart a drive. But there was still a bright spot that could emerge into something greater as we press forward.
Jalen Coker turned up and ended up as the Panthers leading receiver on the day. He caught four of his six targets for 78 yards and was rewarded with a garbage time touchdown at the end of the game. His catch profile was impressive—he snagged a heavily contested ball on the sideline and caught a rope from Bryce Young over the middle of the field. He had another full extension catch that would have gained a first down but was called back for a hold on the offensive line. He looked like a legitimate NFL receiver. The Panthers need more of those, and more importantly, the Panthers need some players to emerge from unconventional places to provide an actual talent boost to a team that desperately needs it. Coker might be one of those guys.
Xavier Legette didn’t have the best day overall, but he did beat Patrick Surtain for a touchdown, so he can put that on the resume.
On the other side of the ball, the defense at least had a few redeeming elements. A’Shawn Robinson registered a couple of sacks, and the front line as a whole looked good stopping an admittedly weak Broncos run game. They were still horrific against the pass, but at least they were strong in one phase of the game. That’s something to build on and at least provides them a semblance of a chance at succeeding on that side of the ball. Also shoutout to Shy Tuttle for recovering both of the Broncos fumbles.
None of those performances were particularly Earth shattering, but they look like oases in an otherwise desolate Panthers season. They provide us with some players we can be excited to watch next Sunday.
On another note, Sunday’s loss to the...
