4 knee-jerk reactions if things start poorly for the Panthers in 2021
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers re-shuffle the secondary
It’s hard to look at the current options within the secondary and not be encouraged. The Carolina Panthers made strengthening their options in this region a top priority this offseason and hopefully, it will give defensive coordinator Phil Snow more flexibility in terms of scheme to boot.
A starting fivesome of Juston Burris, Jeremy Chinn, Jaycee Horn, Donte Jackson, and A.J. Bouye is a mouth-watering prospect. Providing everything clicks into place right away.
If things don’t improve as expected, then it could force the organization into re-shuffling this group to potentially get more out of them.
Among the options available to Carolina is using Jackson in the slot, enabling Horn and Bouye to take on outside responsibilities. Much will also depend on whether rotational players can convince the coaching staff they are capable of filling bigger roles should complications emerge.
Chinn’s presence on the backend is a huge plus. However, the early performances of Burris will be closely scrutinized and if early signs of life aren’t shown, the Panthers could go in a different direction.
Sam Franklin and Myles Hartsfield are potential options if Burris struggles. Acquiring a free agent is another possibility, with veterans like Rashaan Melvin and even Bouye capable of playing the position if things get particularly desperate.
Simply put, if the secondary disappoints, it will be nothing short of a disaster. And way below what’s expected of the group heading into the campaign.