Carolina Panthers: The Five Players To Decide the Season

Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) celebrates his sack with teammate Star Lotulelei (98) on Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the first quarter during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess (17) catches a pass over Denver Broncos free safety Bradley Roby (29) in the first half in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /

Devin Funchess

Think you have the receiver corps figured out. There’s Benjamin, obviously, Ted Ginn, and Corey Brown. Yet the X factor is Funchess. Injuries prevented him from making an earlier mark on the team last season, but he proved he could get open and make catches at key times. He also is 6’4” and was used as a tight end sometimes at Michigan. That physicality is something Ginn and Brown cannot match.

The other thing about Funchess is that his backup role last year allowed him to play everywhere. He was in the slot and then he was out wide. The scary thing is that he might even be getting better. The Panthers have dedicated #1 and #2 receivers with Benjamin and Olsen. Funchess just might be the guy who defenses cannot adjust to.

Oh, and that’s a lot of height near the goal line.

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