4 silver linings from the Panthers’ Week 9 loss at the Chiefs
By Dean Jones
2. Sam Franklin performed well for the Carolina Panthers
Sam Franklin‘s emergence with the Carolina Panthers this season is fast becoming a feel-good story that should serve as a strong motivation for undrafted free-agents entering the NFL next year and beyond.
The safety’s previous relationship with Matt Rhule from their time together in college served him well during training camp. He saw some time on the field during the first half of the campaign but was thrust into a starting role when Juston Burris suffered a rib injury that forced him to spend time on the sidelines.
Franklin was preferred to fifth-round selection Kenny Robinson to play opposite Tre Boston, which was a substantial confidence boost and a good indicator as to the esteem in which the coaching staff holds him.
There have been some growing pains, which is to be expected. But Franklin did manage to make some eye-catching plays at the Chiefs that will stand him in good stead going forward.
The Panthers designated Burris to come off the reserve/injured list this week, which is a massive boost. The free-agent signing has been sorely missed on the backend and although this will probably result in Franklin dropping to a rotational role once again, the player can take great heart from the way he applied himself in the face of some stern competition.