4 Panthers players who’ve improved since the bye week
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players have improved since the bye week?
It might not have been what some Carolina Panthers fans wanted to see. But Matt Rhule’s men did manage to pick up their fifth win of the 2020 season at the Washington Football Team. This was just the second time they’d achieved a victory since their three-game winning run earlier this season and although it has cost them a top-end 2021 NFL Draft pick, it does show that there is still plenty of fight within the group.
No self-respecting player is going to lose on purpose.
And certainly not to boost the team’s chances of drafting their potential replacement.
The tanking notion across professional sports is absurd and anyone who thinks otherwise is kidding themselves. Carolina has been competitive against all odds this season, which is remarkable considering their distinct lack of depth and the fact Christian McCaffrey has been missing for all but three games.
Yes, there are some problems with Teddy Bridgewater, who was less than stellar once again in Week 16. But the strides they’ve made – especially on defense – leaves plenty of reasons to be encouraged.
Let’s take a look at four Panthers players who’ve shown big improvements since the bye week.
Player No. 1
Tre Boston – Carolina Panthers S
Tre Boston‘s career in Carolina was seemingly hanging by a thread a few short weeks ago. But the safety has turned things around in no uncertain terms since the team’s recent period of rest.
The level of production Boston has demonstrated in recent weeks is something Carolina expected to see from the outset. The Panthers signed the veteran to a three-year, $18 million deal during the offseason after he more than made the most out of his second chance with the organization. And even though things might not have gone according to plan since, there have been definite signs of life over the last three games.
Hopefully, this is a trend that can continue next season. Boston’s leadership within the locker room is unquestioned and it looks as if his performances are finally coming around.