Carolina Panthers: Unlike last year, secondary now has balance
The Carolina Panthers are in a better place with the positional group.
The Carolina Panthers defensive backs have made quite an impression on new coach on Perry Fewell. When Fewell was first hired, I was very excited about it. He did a very good job with the Jacksonville Jaguars secondary, and they have become one of the more solid defensive back units in all of the National Football League. Now, his task will be to coach a Carolina Panthers unit that has a lot of talent, both of the young and veteran variety.
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Admittedly, he has a lot to work with. James Bradberry, the wily veteran, gives Fewell a player he can lean on to learn more about the secondary. Jackson continues to develop, and although he was a rookie last season, he did not play like one. Eric Reid, a veteran in his own right, also gives Fewell a player he can count on for productive snaps. The secondary for the Carolina Panthers is one of the strongest groups the team has. Now, Fewell is looking to put it all together.
He made several comments to Max Henson of Panthers.com that really gave insight into the secondary. In effect, he said that Bradberry had enough talent to be one of the elite corners in the National Football League. Jackson, he said was “ultimately competitive.” He noted that Gaulden “was very unique in his ability to play nickel and safety.” That in itself is something that I think the Carolina Panthers will be able to benefit from greatly. He also had high praise for Reid.
"“So smart, great in the classroom. So focused. A good leader. He has all the intangibles you want in a guy to build your secondary around,” said Fewell of Reid. “He can cover, he’s physical, he can play the middle of the field. He can do it all.”"
Reid will be important in the development of Gaulden. He has the type of skills that allow him to be a safety- hybrid type of player. Ultimately, I think that’s what Gaulden will end up being. He has that same type of physicality as Reid, and he showed at Tennessee that he can cover the field with ease. With both Reid and Bradberry being the veterans of the secondary, they are going to be the glue that holds this unit together.
Sure, Jackson has the numbers that make him the best player on the unit. It will take more than Jackson to get the job done. Reid and Bradberry both have the experience to teach the younger guys the ropes. Together, the mix of talent and experience should allow the Carolina Panthers to have a well-rounded secondary. That is not something they had last year. Not only will they have talent and experience, but they now have players that have a variety of skills and that I feel more comfortable putting out on the field in different situations.
dark. Next. Competition expected among receivers
The Carolina Panthers had veterans in the secondary last year. However, the depth and skill level of some of those players were questionable. With last season under their belt, I feel more comfortable with this unit moving forward. Unlike last year, this unit has talented balance, and that is important in the National Football League.