4 sneaky threats the Panthers should worry about at the Chiefs

Mecole Hardman – WR

While the likes of Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill get the lion’s share of attention in Kansas City’s offense, and with good reason. Mecole Hardman is a supremely gifted wide receiver that has the potential to take over a game if given the opportunity.

The speedy wideout is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Hardman showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie in 2019 and his reliability this season has seen the player become a trusted target of Patrick Mahomes through eight weeks.

Hardman can line up either on the outside or in the slot with equal effect. The Carolina Panthers need to keep a close eye on where he is at all times and make sure they get to the point of attack quickly to further limited his chances of a big day.

This responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Rasul Douglas after Sammy Watkins was officially ruled out of the contest. The free-agent signing has been a tremendous addition to the Panthers this season, but this will be another stern test of his credentials against a player with a significant amount of upside.

The former Georgia star is coming off his best game of the season against the moribund New York Jets last weekend and he will be hoping to build on this momentum with another strong showing in this one.