Jeremy Chinn stakes his claim for Defensive Rookie of the Year
By Dean Jones
Jeremy Chinn’s performance at the Vikings
This was a breakout party for Jeremy Chinn. He was absolutely outstanding from start-to-finish and if anyone was unaware of his influence, then they were left in no doubt that this is a player with the world at his feet.
Chinn’s opportunistic nature brought two touchdowns at a crucial moment and in consecutive plays. This was extraordinary whichever way one looks at it and is further proof of just how much the rookie is around the ball consistently.
He was a notable contributor in run support, which was critical against the prominent threat posed by Dalvin Cook. This resulted in a season-high 13 tackles, besting the 12 he achieved during their Week 3 win at the Chargers.
Chinn was on the field for every defensive snap as the Carolina Panthers continue to lean on the player heavily. He also managed one quarterback hit and a forced fumble to go along with the two scores and double-digit tackles. But not getting the win is something that put a dampener on proceedings from his perspective.
"“We just have to finish. I feel like I say that all the time, but we can’t let our opponent breathe. We’re playing good as a defense and we’ve just got to keep it going and put the nail in the coffin.”"
The former safety now has 87 combined tackles, 49 solo tackles, three quarterback hits, five passes defended, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, and four pressures this season. He has given up 27 receptions from 38 targets thrown his way and Chinn’s 54.0 grade from Pro Football Focus doesn’t tell the whole story about just what an impact he’s made in Carolina.