Panthers Star Defender’s Week 14 Absence Surprises Dave Canales
The Carolina Panthers are 3-9 on the season but have played better in the last couple of weeks, in large part to Bryce Young's development. Even though their hopes of making the playoffs in 2024 have evaporated, the Panthers are still looking to finish the season on a strong note.
On Sunday, they enter the contest against the Philadelphia Eagles as a massive 13.5-point underdog, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
That is a huge uphill climb for this team and on Saturday, it was revealed that a key defender won't be active.
#Panthers HC Dave Canales had said yesterday he expected Jadeveon Clowney to play against the #Eagles but that won’t be the case. https://t.co/K1NUvtM9eF
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 7, 2024
Panthers News: Jadeveon Clowney is Ruled Out for Week 14
Linebacker Jadeveon Clowney has been downgraded to out due to a knee injury. He was listed as DNP during Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday practices, but head coach Dave Canales was under the assumption that Clowney would still play.
That's a blow to the Panthers defense. Especially since they are currently ranked last in the NFL in run defense (166.8). That could be a recipe for disaster since the Eagles have the best rushing attack in the NFL. Philly leads the NFL in rushing offense (188.9), with Saquon Barkley leading the charge.
The Penn State product is first in the league in rushing yards (1,499), with eight games going over 100-plus rushing yards.
The Panthers have their work cut out for them to upset an NFC powerhouse.
In this campaign, Clowney has been an effective run defender, logging a 66.2 run defense grade per PFF. His presence will be missed on the gridiron by the Panthers but in the NFL you have to adopt the "next man up" mentality.
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