10 key takeaways from the Panthers’ dismal loss vs. Broncos

Woeful protection

After a bright start to the season, things have tailed off significantly for the Carolina Panthers from a protection perspective. This was arguably their worst collective performance of the campaign and even though quarterback Teddy Bridgewater should be doing better, he wasn’t exactly aided by the group in front of him.

This is especially evident on the interior and it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if the Panthers moved on from John Miller, Matt Paradis, and Chris Reed all at the same time next spring. Russell Okung also looked his age on the edge and only stud right tackle Taylor Moton emerged from the game with any semblance of credit.

Jeremy Chinn produces the goods – again

It was a disappointing game overall for the Panthers. But the one shining light yet again was Jeremy Chinn. The stud outside linebacker further enhanced his claims for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with a standout display that stood out like a sore thumb due to the lack of production elsewhere.

There is nothing Chinn cannot do on the football field. He is an elite player in the making and for all Marty Hurney’s faults in recent years, the general manager deserves a tremendous amount of credit for trading up to take the former Southern Illinois product at No. 64 overall.

Rough day for Rasul Douglas

The Panthers have gotten some nice production from free-agent signing Rasul Douglas this season. But this was an afternoon to forget for the cornerback.

Douglas was smoked on three big plays – two that eventually ended with KJ Hamler scores – which was not exactly the best way to begin a critical few games between now and the end of the season that could be the difference in getting an extension of moving on.