4 Panthers players who need to step up at the Chiefs in Week 9

Troy Pride Jr. – Carolina Panthers CB

The Carolina Panthers received a welcome boost this week when cornerback Rasul Douglas was activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list. His presence was missed significantly against the Falcons and not having him in this one would have been a disaster.

That being said, this needs to be a collective effort from Carolina’s secondary thanks to the wealth of options quarterback Patrick Mahomes has at his disposal. They have so many players who can make a difference, it’s almost unfair. So the Panthers need every member of the cornerback unit firing on all cylinders to stand a chance.

This includes Troy Pride Jr. The rookie has gone through some struggles during his initial period of transition, but the same can be said for most corners entering the league in difficult circumstances.

The fourth-round pick out of Notre Dame has elite speed, which is something that could definitely help at the Chiefs. In particular, against their blisteringly fast wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who has become a more prominent feature in their passing attack this season on his way to 22 receptions, 347 receiving yards, and three touchdowns through the first eight games.

Pride Jr. will have his work cut out if the Panthers give him this responsibility and it is sure to tell the coaching staff plenty about what they can expect from the player going forward.