The Carolina Panthers have signed former Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan to bolster their defensive backfield.
The Carolina Panthers must be concerned about the progress ofCharles Tillmanreturning from his injury. They have responded by signingCortland Finneganout 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 upColin Jonesat the Nickelback spot with a slot receiver. Usually that was Dallas receiverCole 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 committedDez Bryantto the slot more often.
In previous games it would have beenBene Benwikerewatching 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.
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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 receiverAndre Johnsona 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 CoachJeff Fisherwith 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.
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