6 studs and duds from the Carolina Panthers’ loss vs. Broncos
By Dean Jones
Donte Jackson – Carolina Panthers CB
It’s been a frustrating season for Donte Jackson. The cornerback has been dealing with a toe problem all year that hampered his ability to make a meaningful contribution before the bye week. But after a good period of rest, he looked back to his old self against the Broncos.
Jackson was looking to make the necessary strides and become a true No. 1 corner in 2020. It’s hard to judge whether this is a realistic goal given how much he’s been at less than 100 percent and what comes next over the next three weeks against some top opposition will tell us a lot more about his chances.
This was a nice start, but it was only that.
The former LSU standout made some big plays in key moments that gave his side a fighting chance down the stretch. But he wasn’t exactly aided by other members of the Carolina Panthers’ secondary which eventually played a leading role in their downfall.
Perhaps more important than Jackson’s three tackles, one tackle for loss, and two passes defended was the fact he was on the field for 85 percent of the defensive snaps. If the Panthers want to salvage any semblance of respect from the 2020 season they will need this trend to continue in no uncertain terms.