4 Panthers players who’ve improved since the bye week
By Dean Jones
Donte Jackson – Carolina Panthers CB
The Carolina Panthers were counting on Donte Jackson in a big way this season. They made the tough call to let James Bradberry sign for the New York Giants in free agency and this left the former second-round pick with a big opportunity to become the team’s long-term No. 1 option.
It was hard to gauge Jackson’s contribution earlier in the season. This had a lot to do with a toe injury that severely impacted his ability to gain meaningful reps at an important time in the player’s career. But since the Panthers decided to keep the corner out of the lineup for the best part of a month, it seems to have done wonders.
Jackson has looked like a different player since the bye. His electric pace has been there for all to witness and he has come up with some outstanding plays to make a notable contribution to the positive transformation of Carolina’s defense.
There appears little doubt that Carolina will bring in some additional quality during the offseason to further bolster this particular area of the field. Rasul Douglas and Corn Elder may not be brought back and the rookie duo of Troy Pride Jr. and Stantley Thomas-Oliver need more time to develop.
However, the Panthers are safe in the knowledge that they have a potential shutdown cornerback on their hands in Jackson, who has been sensational of late.