4 sneaky threats the Panthers need to worry about in Week 16

Which sneaky threats should the Carolina Panthers worry about at Washington?

The Carolina Panthers head into their final road game of the 2020 season with little pressure on their shoulders. Matt Rhule’s men are currently sitting at 4-10 following their loss at the Green Bay Packers last weekend, but the head coach will not want standards to slip as attention is quickly turning to a crucial offseason period for the organization.

Washington has the playoffs in their sights, which would represent a significant achievement for former Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera after all he’s been through during his first campaign at the helm. A win in Week 16 would all-but clinch the NFC East championship and a postseason berth. But there are plenty of questions surrounding the quarterback position that might work in the opposition’s favor.

However, the Panthers have more than their fair share of doubts under center, too.

Teddy Bridgewater is entering a do-or-die situation as he looks to convince people he can be Carolina’s long-term starter. How he gets on over the next two outings is going to be key and the free-agent signing knows that there is no more margin for error regarding his production.

Let’s take a look at four Washington players who could become sneaky threats that the Panthers need to worry about this weekend.

Player No. 1

Cole Holcomb – OLB

Don’t let the fresh face and the dazzling smile fool you, Cole Holcomb is a fierce competitor at the second level who has made some really encouraging strides this season. The former fifth-round pick should be no stranger to Panthers fans having played his college ball at North Carolina and he has the ability to be a real difference-maker with little in the way of attention coming his way.

The second-year-pro has 54 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits, five tackles for loss, one interception, and four pressures from 46.1 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Holcomb also has an eye-catching 76.1 grade from Pro Football Focus to show for his efforts and although he has missed 15.6% of his tackles, Carolina should monitor his whereabouts at all times.