4 Broncos players the Panthers should be most concerned about
By Dean Jones
Tim Patrick – WR
There was plenty of hype surrounding Denver’s first-round pick Jerry Jeudy coming into the season. But the emergence of Tim Patrick has overshadowed the rookie over the campaign.
Patrick was used sparingly by the Broncos during his first two seasons in the NFL. This allowed the former Utah standout to develop at his own pace and he has thrived with more targets coming his way in 2020.
The wideout has a massive frame at 6-foot-4 that he uses to his advantage. Patrick also possesses a robust route-running ability and enough speed to make his presence felt down the field.
Despite Denver’s lack of productivity from the quarterback position this season, Patrick still has 40 receptions, 607 receiving yards, five touchdowns, and a yards-per-catch average of 15.2.
The receiver represents a matchup problem for opposing defenses thanks to his size and athletic traits, so the Carolina Panthers need to figure out how to thwart his threat without leaving other areas exposed.
They are set to get Donte Jackson back into the lineup, who has missed the last two outings with a toe problem that’s bothered him all season. This is a big boost and one that might just be enough to ensure that Patrick’s influence is kept to a minimum providing Carolina can get sufficient pressure on Drew Lock.