4 Panthers players who disappointed at the Packers in Week 15
By Dean Jones
Troy Pride Jr. – Carolina Panthers CB
The Carolina Panthers placed plenty of faith in Troy Pride Jr. early on at the Packers. He was tasked with going up against Green Bay’s stud wide receiver Davante Adams for large periods of the first half and if the coaching staff wanted to see signs of life from the cornerback, they didn’t materialize.
This might be a little harsh on Pride Jr. But the fact remains that the jury is still out as to whether he can become a viable starting option moving forward.
The former Notre Dame standout was given a torrid time by Adams, who has terrorized the league this season. Putting Pride Jr. on such an accomplished wideout was definitely a sink-or-swim gamble, which did not have the desired results.
There was further cause for concern regarding Pride Jr. from an injury perspective. The rookie went down with a hip injury that leaves his status for Carolina’s Week 15 game at the Washington Football Team in considerable doubt.
Pride Jr. is giving up 14.8 yards-per-completion during his first year in a professional environment. He has missed five tackles, conceded two touchdowns, has given up 27 receptions from 36 targets, and boasts a dismal 39.3 grade from Pro Football Focus to show for his efforts in 2020.
Taking Pride Jr. out of the firing line even if he wasn’t hurt might be a smart move at this juncture ahead of a crucial offseason to further develop.