Carolina Panthers No. 41: 3 problems facing Eli Apple in 2020

Carolina Panthers Problem No. 2: Becoming a target

Another problem that could be facing Eli Apple as he looks to make an impact with the Carolina Panthers is targeting. It won’t take opposing defenses long to figure out if he is a weak link in their secondary. And this is something that the player does have some experience with.

He was victimized during his final year with the New York Giants. And this was something evident once again during his time with the New Orleans Saints in 2019. Fortunately for Sean Payton’s men, they had others around him that could pick up the slack. But that might not be the case in Carolina due to their lack of depth.

Apple might use this “weak-link” narrative as a source of motivation. And the likes of Tre Boston and Jeremy Chinn could assist when times get tough. However, if the player becomes a constant source of yards gained against some formidable passing attacks on the schedule. It won’t take long for the Panthers coaching staff to look in a different direction.

This is a problem that is there for all to see. Apple must take this challenge head-on in no uncertain terms. And this will give him the best possible chance of finally reaching the high ceiling that people expected when he entered the league.

Only time will tell as to whether he is capable of such a feat. But it is something that the Panthers are counting on Apple to deliver.