4 Panthers players who need to step up vs. the Bucs in Week 10

Corn Elder – Carolina Panthers CB

Corn Elder did well to earn a place on the rotation during training camp. And the cornerback has followed this up with some eye-catching contributions in a competitive environment.

The Carolina Panthers have used the player primarily in the slot through nine weeks and he has provided them with an assured, albeit limited, influence in coverage.

Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers will be the toughest test of the campaign for Elder. He is set to lock horns with three-time All-Pro Antonio Brown, who arrived in Tampa Bay shortly before his eight-suspension came to an end.

This further adds to the embarrassment of riches at Tom Brady’s disposal. Brown is one of the NFL’s greatest-ever route runners and there is little anyone can do to stop the wideout when he is at the top of his game.

Given how long Brown has been out of action, he’ll need a few games to get back up to speed.

Elder will have his work cut out keeping pace with Brown if the Panthers decide to give him this responsibility. So it is pivotal that he gains some early confidence to avoid further complications as the game progresses.

The 2017 fifth-round pick out of Miami has given up 17 receptions from 28 targets this season on his way to an impressive 69.4 grade from Pro Football Focus. But it’s hard to look at this matchup with any great confidence.