Carolina Panthers Week 2 awards from defeat at the Bucs

Biggest Surprise: Rasul Douglas – Carolina Panthers CB

Woodrow Hamilton warranted serious consideration here given the impact he made on the defensive front after being called up from the practice squad the day before. But Rasul Douglas‘ overall display was a huge surprise and something that is going to stand the Carolina Panthers in good stead within their cornerback room.

The Panthers moved swiftly to take Douglas from the waiver wire following the Philadelphia Eagles’ decision not to take him through on their 53-man roster. He made an eye-catching contribution when called upon against the Raiders and was given even more responsibility from a starting role in Week 2.

This is a challenge he met with a resolve that might have been lacking in Carolina before his arrival. Douglas looked assured in coverage for the most part and came up with some outstanding plays when it mattered most.

Douglas eventually finished the game with seven solo tackles and one tackle for loss. To say this is something that the Panthers need going forward would be a huge understatement and his place in the lineup looks assured in the short-term.

Whether this trend continues throughout the season will be entirely dependent on Douglas’ production. And there is also the aspect of a potential return for Eli Apple to consider.