Panthers: James Bradberry refocused and ready for 2018
Cornerback James Bradberry is ready to take things up a notch for the Carolina Panthers in 2018.
If you are a coach, you are always looking for your players to want to get better heading into a new season. For Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, cornerback James Bradberry’s latest statements should be music to his ears.
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Bradberry is looking to put last year’s season behind him, and focus on becoming an impact player for the team. As Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer noted, Bradberry knows that in the upcoming season, he will have to put a little extra work in if he wants to be successful, particularly in the weight room and film room.
"“I feel like I can put more hours in,” said Bradberry, adding that he hopes to become a “film junkie.”“That way,” he said, “you can anticipate things happening and jumping routes.”"
It is not as if Bradberry had a terrible season last year numbers-wise. He started in all 16 games, had two interceptions and 85 tackles, the most among any corner in the National Football League. However, especially in light of Darryl Worley’s recent run-in with the law, Bradberry will have to pick up the slack at the cornerback position.
It is safe to say the Carolina Panthers have high hopes for Bradberry. After all, they did not sign him to a four-year deal in May 2016 for nothing. For the most part, he has delivered for them. Now, he will have to raise his game to an even higher level. He may even have to assume a leadership role at the position. This is where we will see what he can make of the opportunity. If everything keeps trending upward, Bradberry could be in for a big year.
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It is unrealistic to expect Bradberry to be an All-Pro cornerback at this stage of the year, but it is not crazy to leave the possibility open. As long as he sticks to his plan of having a better work ethic, and builds off what he did last year, he is primed for a big 2018.