4 positive Panthers storylines at the midseason point in 2020
By Dean Jones
Jeremy Chinn’s impact
One of the biggest positives to emerge from the Carolina Panthers through the first eight weeks of the season has been Jeremy Chinn. The rookie came into the NFL with plenty of likable athletic attributes, but the level of impact he’s made has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Chinn had an exceptional training camp that saw the former Southern Illinois standout earn a starting job at outside linebacker opposite Shaq Thompson. This was something of a gamble by the Panthers given his lack of experience at the position. However, it has been a shrewd move by the coaching staff in no uncertain terms.
The second-round pick has been a revelation, providing an energy and playmaking ability that has stood out considerably. Chinn has emerged as a strong Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate and the sky is the limit if he continues trending on an upward curve.
Carolina has had some misses in the draft in recent years. But they’ve struck gold with Chinn.
He has 67 combined tackles, 38 solo tackles, five passes defended, one interception, one tackle for loss, and two quarterback hits to his name through the first half of the campaign. Chinn has given up a 69.8 completion percentage on balls thrown his way and has a 54.6 grade from Pro Football Focus to show for his efforts.
How Chinn performs in the face of some stern competition in the coming weeks is going to be crucial for the Panthers. But the do-it-all defender already looks to be a future Pro Bowler.