4 big Carolina Panthers storylines to watch against the Raiders
By Dean Jones
How can the Carolina Panthers stop Darren Waller?
There is a real matchup problem awaiting the Carolina Panthers in the form of Darren Waller. The tight end enjoyed an astronomical rise to prominence in 2019 and he is now an indispensable member of the Raiders’ roster.
Waller has the right size, speed, and strength to get open whenever he wants. Just how defensive coordinator Phil Snow plans to stop him remains unclear. But there are some exciting options available that may all be used to counteract the player’s threat.
Shaq Thompson‘s experience could see him line up against Waller early on. There is also the possibility of versatile rookie Jeremy Chinn seeing time on the tight end and if all else fails, perhaps someone like Corn Elder could get involved due to his impressive play as a slot cornerback during training camp.
Coping with Waller is going to be pivotal for the Panthers in no uncertain terms. They have some serious concerns about cornerback production on the outside and if they give up significant yardage over the middle it is only going to decrease their chances of getting their campaign off on the right foot.
Snow has had plenty of time to get a sufficient gameplan together for a talented Raiders offense. Waller will be one of the primary players to stop. But judging on his level of consistency last season, that might be easier said than done.