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Surprise Panther Getting Rave Reviews Ahead of First Career Start

Special teams standout Jon Rhattigan will get the biggest opportunity of his career this week.

By Joe Summers

Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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The Panthers are already looking ahead to next season in an attempt to build a competitive roster following another failed year. In a fortunate surprise, one player made a major impression in recent weeks and is earning rave reviews ahead of his first start.

Fourth-year LB Jon Rhattigan, who has played nearly all of his professional snaps exclusively on special teams, will draw a starting role at linebacker against the Cardinals in Week 16.

Based on special teams coordinator Tracy Smith's recent comments, it sounds like the Panthers have complete faith in the young player.

Panthers LB Jon Rhattigan Earns Praise From Coaches Before 1st Start

"The team can count on John for whatever they're asking him to do," Smith told the media, praising Rhattigan's speed, toughness, and character in the process.

He's a fantastic story, having overcome torn ACLs to both knees to become a productive player. Originally an undrafted free agent out of Army, Rhattigan spent the first three years of his career in Seattle before joining Carolina last offseason.

By playing a career-high 81% of special teams snaps this year, he's clearly earned the trust of the coaching staff. Rhattigan has 11 tackles and is currently signed under contract for one more year. Thus, it's a great idea for Dave Canales and his group to see if Rhattigan has the potential to turn into a reliable contributor on defense as well.

Carolina's defense has been among the NFL's worst this year. Improvements are needed across the board and fans should expect an overhaul, though there are reasons to feel optimistic about 2025. Bryce Young looks revived after his early-season benching. If the Panthers can surround him with a better offensive line and improved defense, the team will be in solid shape moving forward.

Giving guys like Rhattigan an opportunity helps fill the gaps on the rest of the roster. It's good process, as teams like Carolina need value with cheap contracts. Maybe the move means nothing, or maybe it's a sign of positive things to come.

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