4 things Panthers fans can look forward to during the 2021 offseason
By Dean Jones
The progression of second-year studs
Another element to the offseason that should excite fans of the Carolina Panthers is the development of some exciting players entering their second season in a professional environment.
The team relied heavily on youth after wholesale changes to the roster last summer, which came with some obvious growing pains but might just serve the Panthers well in 2021 and beyond.
Some rookies came to the fore more than others. However, it appears as if the sky is the limit for a talented trio in particular if the necessary adjustments are made to their respective games this offseason.
Carolina used their first three selections during the 2020 NFL Draft on Derrick Brown (No. 7), Yetur Gross-Matos (No. 39), and Jeremy Chinn (No. 64). All three made a real impression in Year 1 and watching their development in the coming months before the Panthers take on the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium in Week 1 is going to be can’t miss.
Brown and Chinn look like studs in the making.
Both gifted defenders proved their status as integral pieces to Carolina’s puzzle moving forward and their styles of play are in keeping with what the Panthers are trying to build on the defensive side of the ball.
It was somewhat frustrating that Gross-Matos dealt with injuries, a concussion, and a spell on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
He showed tremendous promise when he was on the field and if the same problems don’t befall him next time around, it will bolster a pass rush that has been strengthened by the additions of Haason Reddick, Morgan Fox, Daviyon Nixon, and inside linebacker Denzel Perryman.
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Hopes are high for the Panthers’ defense in 2021. If they are going to reach these expectations, Brown, Chinn, and Gross-Matos need to perform at a high level throughout.