4 Panthers players who have regressed in 2020 after promising starts
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players have regressed in 2020 after good starts?
It’s been a season of ups and downs for the Carolina Panthers that is now in real danger of finishing on a sour note. They are currently 4-9 after a disappointing home loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 14 and with each remaining team on the schedule having playoff hopes, things aren’t expected to get better any time soon.
There have been some bright moments. The Carolina Panthers have some exciting young players who should all be getting better together in the coming years. But they do appear to be a year or two away from being considered a serious playoff contender if their efforts this season are any indication.
This is the most important upcoming offseason in recent memory. Huge decisions need to be made regarding out-of-contract players, free agent recruits, 2021 NFL Draft prospects, and the future of general manager Marty Hurney, who is also looking for a new deal.
Let’s take a look at four Panthers players who have regressed during the 2020 season after starting the campaign in a promising fashion.
Player No. 1
Chris Reed – Carolina Panthers OG
Chris Reed came off the reserve/COVID-19 list and made an immediate impact for the Panthers earlier this season. He was a stout presence protecting the interior and left plenty of reasons to be encouraged regarding his potential to produce the goods throughout the campaign.
Sadly, this just hasn’t worked out as expected.
Reed has steadily regressed in recent weeks and has emerged as a weak link in already shaky protection in Carolina. This has undoubtedly sealed his fate regarding hopes of a new deal and it wouldn’t be a surprise to this area of the field given another makeover by the front office in 2021.