Julio Jones trade makes things easier for Panthers young defense

With star wide receiver Julio Jones leaving the Atlanta Falcons for the Tennessee Titans, what does this mean for how the Carolina Panthers need to prepare their young defense?  

It’s no secret that the division rivalry between the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons has always been a fierce competition. The dynamic duo of quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones could break down almost any defense and Carolina has not been exempt from this.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound wideout has the speed and stride to make anyone struggle to keep up with him and you could bet if the ball was directed at Jones, he was coming down with it.

That being said, the Panthers and every single team across the league are aware of the deep threat Jones brings to the field. But now that he is leaving the NFC South, what does this mean for Carolina’s young defense in 2021?

Carolina Panthers could benefit from Julio Jones trade.

The Panthers have one of the youngest defensive teams in the league.

Rookie Jaycee Horn was drafted No. 8 overall in 2021 to bring a strong competitive playing style to the secondary. The former South Carolina standout will most likely be jumping into the fire and guarding the top-tier receiver on the field right from the outset.

In Atlanta’s case, that would have been Jones.

At least before his bombshell trade to the Tennessee Titans.

For a decade, the Panthers have had trouble containing Jones.

Now that he is no longer a threat in the division, Carolina has the opportunity to focus on other targets.

Horn will most likely be covering rookie tight-end Kyle Pitts, who had an amazing career at Florida and could be a threat on third downs, in the red zone, and all over the field if give enough space.

While there might not be much of a difference between Pitts and Jones athletically, Horn will no doubt be sad not to get the chance of going up against the departing receiver twice a season.

Pitts is a big target, but Horn is quick and has a precise, even surgical defensive style where he can come from any side and make a play for the ball.

The tight end is also a great route runner, but Horn is faster and while Pitts might have the wingspan and hands, the first-year cornerback can beat him to his route and diffuse a potential generational talent as a threat.

Another point worth mentioning is that without Jones, the Panthers can bring more blitzing into their game plans.

Ryan has lost the most reliable target that he has had for the past decade, and while Calvin Ridley will be his new favorite target Carolina can adjust their focus on one threat on the outside instead of two.

If they can rattle Ryan by applying pressure to the pocket then they will have a significantly better chance locking down Ridley to short, less threatening, plays.

Implementing more blitzes into the game plan will also contain former Panthers running back Mike Davis, who produced some tremendous numbers in 2020 filling in for the injured Christian McCaffery.

While bringing the heat can be beneficial for slowing him down, Davis proved he can adjust and already knows what Carolina can bring – and vice-versa. This is where new addition Denzel Perryman will shine, given that he is a powerhouse when it comes to stopping the run game judging by what we saw from the linebacker on the Los Angeles Chargers.

Overall, Jones’ departure could make planning for the Falcons less daunting from Carolina’s perspective. Certainly less challenging than some of their other matchups this season.

The Panthers will have the opportunity to build some momentum before they square off with their NFC South rivals, but they can’t assume with Jones gone that they will sweep them either.