4 sneaky threats the Panthers should watch out for in Week 3
By Dean Jones
Joshua Kelley – RB
To say that Joshua Kelley has made an impressive start to life at the next level would be something of an understatement.
The rookie running back has been at the top of his game over the last two weeks and has thrived with plenty of responsibility on his shoulders. Kelley has split carries with Austin Ekeler over the first two games and almost went 50/50 with the Chargers’ No. 1 option in their Week 2 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kelley enjoyed a standout college career at UCLA that eventually ended with 454 carries, 2,303 rushing yards, and 24 touchdowns over a two-year period. He also managed to haul in 38 receptions for 284 receiving yards and a score to further enhance his overall influence on proceedings.
The fourth-round pick already looks to be a draft steal thanks to his outstanding start. Kelley has demonstrated impressive explosiveness either running between the tackles of off the edge, resulting in 35 carries, 124 rushing yards, one touchdown, and a 65.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.
This represents another problem for the Carolina Panthers, who have had trouble stopping the run this season. If they don’t give Kelley the respect he deserves, then the first-year-pro has the potential to punish them severely.