3 Panthers players who showed out vs. the Falcons in Week 8
By Dean Jones
Curtis Samuel – Carolina Panthers WR
Curtis Samuel has grown in stature with every passing game. The wide receiver might be the No. 3 option on the Carolina Panthers, but that should detract from just how important he is becoming.
The former Ohio State standout got off to a fast start with his second rushing touchdown in as many games to get Carolina ahead. This was swiftly followed by another after a flea-flicker that was expertly executed thanks in no small part to a thrown right on the money for Teddy Bridgewater.
Speaking of money, Samuel has made himself plenty of that in recent weeks. He is playing on the final year of his deal and the Panthers might end up paying a heavy price by not extending him during the offseason.
Samuel is someone that every successful offense needs. He has the ability to make an impact almost anywhere on the field and the player is clearly benefitting from some extra space to work in thanks to the presence of Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore on the outside.
It is getting to the point where Carolina is going to have to shell out a substantial amount to keep Samuel. Whether the promise of an increased role elsewhere will tempt the second-round pick away is another matter. But the Panthers do have a last resort of franchising him if an agreement cannot be reached.
The dual-threat weapon finished the game with 54 all-purpose yards and two scores, which undoubtedly made some people sit up and take notice on the national stage.