Panthers Position Preview: Could Corners Return to All-Pro Form?
The Panthers Have Produced Corners That Can Be Lynchpins
The Carolina Panther’s defense in the recent past has produced very solid players that have all-pro talent, but often can be inconsistent. Thankfully for the corners, the entire defense for the Panthers works like a well-oiled machine with few holes.
The Panther’s corners are also privileged to be led by secondary coach Perry Fewell, who brings 21 years of experience with him.
The way the league is today, where it’s more passing friendly, one bad decision on a cornerback’s behalf can quickly have your team down a touchdown.
Panthers Continue Their Post-Norman Search
The Panthers have been looking to have another pro bowl cornerback since 2015 when Josh Norman was the spark in the secondary. A man by the name of Donte Jackson could be the spark in the 2019-20 season.
Jackson, who will be entering his 2nd season, had a solid rookie campaign starting 16 games out of 16 and earning a team-best 4 interceptions. Jackson also had 9 pass deflections, 74 combined tackles, and a forced fumble on the season. There’s a strong belief that Jackson can continue to grow and be a part of the top 10 cornerbacks in the league sooner than later.
This past season the Panthers did not get a single cornerback selected to the pro bowl nor do they have a top 10 cornerback, but they do have some very young talent in 25-year-old James Bradberry and undrafted Corrion Ballard.
James Bradberry, who will be entering his 4th season, has started every game he’s played and came off with 70 combined tackles, one interception, forced fumble, and 15 pass defections season.
Corrion Ballard, from Utah State, came up with 116 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 9 pass deflections during his two-year college career. During this year’s training camp expect the major focus to be on both Bradberry and Ballard as they will be called upon and expected to step up to produce this upcoming season.
Where Do We See the Panthers’ Corners in 2019
The Panthers have done an amazing job not only adding talent but maintaining the talent they have that brings fear to many wide receiver cores.
This upcoming season will have major pressure on the defensive side of the ball with Cam’s health in the air and offenses becoming more pass-happy.
This season can bring change and lay down the foundation to create more experience for the cornerback core or can lead the Panthers in a very different route to a total rebuild to find the missing puzzle piece.