Upcoming game crucial for Captain Munnerlyn
The Carolina Panthers defensive back needs to have a good game…
Things happen. Just ask Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn. On Thursday, the defensive back only played five snaps in the team’s opening preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
It was not because he was doing anything detrimental to the team. Rather, it was a team mistake as the powers that be lost track of his snap count. As Ron Rivera told Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer on Sunday, Munnerlyn will have more than enough opportunities to make up for the minimal snaps.
"“We lost count of his snaps in the game. And we pulled him out before we should have. We’re going to get him some extra ones this coming week,” he said. “But he’s done a great job. I can’t say enough about how hard he’s working right now.”"
These words are encouraging on multiple levels. For one, the fact that he has been playing well is a great sign. Last year, he was not as engaged, but it appears he has put that behind him completely. Secondly, this is great news for Munnerlyn as now he can show just how determined he is to have a great year.
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With the increased snaps however comes a bigger microscope. With a depleted secondary, Munnerlyn may have to be relied on more than normal. Although the Carolina Panthers still have a fair amount of depth in the secondary, that depth is becoming thinner by the day.
Currently, Munnerlyn is ranked as the No. 2 left cornerback behind James Bradberry per the most recent depth chart from OurLads.com.
It is one thing to have to be relied upon. It’s another thing to go out and execute. When he plays on Friday, he may have to face the likes of Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson. Although they are not top-tier wideouts, they still have the speed and athleticism to cause headaches. At the very least, they will serve as good benchmarks to see where Munnerlyn is at.
Behind him on the depth chart sits Rashaan Gaulden. Although just a rookie, he has shown promise. Munnerlyn will at least have competition at the position if he does not play well. That alone should be enough incentive to have a great day on Friday. If he does not, a change is possible.
As a journalist, I am supposed to have zero bias. However, I have to admit I am rooting for Munnerlyn to play well on Friday. He is capable of putting together great performances. The league saw it when he was with the Vikings. I am hoping he can return to that form.
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Either way, Friday is huge for Captain Munnerlyn.