5 Carolina Panthers players who could surprise vs. NY Jets in Week 1
By Dean Jones
Morgan Fox – Carolina Panthers DE
The signing of Morgan Fox went under-the-radar somewhat compared to others on the roster. He’s also gone quietly gone about his business this offseason, but there are plenty of reasons to be encouraged surrounding his chances of making a real impact in 2021.
The Carolina Panthers are expected to slot Fox in as the starting defensive end alongside Brian Burns. Although it would be a big surprise if second-year-pro Yetur Gross-Matos didn’t get his fair share of snaps.
Having an elite edge rusher on the other side of Carolina’s defensive line should help Fox an untold amount. Especially considering the New York Jets also have to worry about Derrick Brown on the interior and Haason Reddick flying into the backfield from the outside linebacker position.
Fox benefitted enormously from playing next to Aaron Donald with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 on his way to six sacks. If the same happens again in a different environment, the former Colorado State-Pueblo standout should put up decent numbers.
The player will have his hands full going up against left tackle Mekhi Becton despite his indifferent production in Jets training camp. But is a great chance for Fox to catch the eye against such a promising young protector.