5 Panthers players who need to step up vs. the Lions in Week 11

Rasul Douglas – Carolina Panthers CB

Rasul Douglas picked a terrible time to have his worst game of the season. The Carolina Panthers were counting on the cornerback to show out against a Tampa Bay wide receiver group that is absolutely stacked and he failed to replicate the sort of form we’ve seen from the player during the campaign.

Hopefully, this was just a blip. Douglas has been an outstanding addition to the Panthers after failing to make the Philadelphia Eagles’ 53-man roster and there is a high likelihood he’ll be the team’s No.1 option at the position in Week 11.

Carolina officially listed Donte Jackson as doubtful with a toe injury that has really hampered his ability to contribute this season. It would be a huge surprise if the Panthers opted to throw him out there not at 100 percent again and this will leave the onus on Douglas to raise his game accordingly.

This is something the player has done well this season – and certainly better than what was projected when he came on board. Douglas has given up 28 receptions on 43 targets on his way to a creditable 59.6 grade from Pro Football Focus and a strong end to the campaign will leave the Panthers with no other alternative other than to give him a multi-year extension this offseason.