Carolina Panthers: Bringing in Cortland Finnegan
The Carolina Panthers have signed former Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan to bolster their defensive backfield.
The Carolina Panthers must be concerned about the progress of Charles Tillman returning from his injury. They have responded by signing Cortland Finnegan out of retirement. Finnegan plays cornerback and was most distinguished with the Tennessee Titans. Finnegan also brings a reputation of being something of a troublemaker on the field.
The victory over the Dallas Cowboys had a few problems that were revealed. One of them was matching up Colin Jones at the Nickelback spot with a slot receiver. Usually that was Dallas receiver Cole Beasley, who had the best game of any receiver for Dallas. Beasley lost Jones on a handful of plays. It could have been a bigger problem if Dallas had committed Dez Bryant to the slot more often.
In previous games it would have been Bene Benwikere watching over the slot receiver in nickel packages. Benwikere is now over at the other corner spot full time as Tillman was the defensive back who would take over in those situations. Signing Finnegan is a sign that the Panthers want their nickel coverage to remain as tight as it was with a healthy Tillman. Finnegan will take over the nickel spot.
More from Old North Banter
- Carolina Panthers: Secondary battles to watch in training camp 2020
- Carolina Panthers: 2020 training camp kicks off on Tuesday
- NC Colleges Provide Coronavirus Results from Athletic Departments
- Court alleges Zion’s Stepfather received $400k
- UNC Football gets Commitment from Top Cornerback
Finnegan brings a Pro Bowl appearance on his resume. He uses all the little tricks of defensive backs, and this is why some label him as dirty. He even got into a fight with Texans receiver Andre Johnson a few years ago. He is also a North Carolina native, hailing from Fayetteville.
Finnegan has intercepted eighteen balls for four touchdowns in his ten year NFL career. He had a brief stint with the Miami Dolphins last year, but he played for Coach Jeff Fisher with the Titans and the Rams in most of his career.
The acquisition of Finnegan is a good sign in that the Panthers are not willing to stand pat right now. Hopefully it is not a sign that Tillman is going to miss a longer amount of time or possibly the rest of the year.
The Carolina Panthers travel to take on the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.