5 sneaky threats for the Panthers to worry about at the Texans

(Gregory Shamus-USA TODAY Sports) Phillip Lindsay
(Gregory Shamus-USA TODAY Sports) Phillip Lindsay /
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Houston Texans
(Carmen Mandato-USA TODAY Sports) Vernon Hargreaves III /

Vernon Hargreaves III – CB

Since trading Bradley Roby to the New Orleans Saints, the Texans secondary have relied on Vernon Hargreaves III to step up and become their No. 1 corner. Through two games, he has done just that and more.

Hargreaves is only under contract for one more season with Houston, which makes this a crucial year to make a name for himself to set him up for a big payday next spring.

He only has one interception in his Houston career but matched that number already in their season opener.

Against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hargreaves intercepted Trevor Lawrence and returned it 18 yards to help set up a field goal to extend their lead. He also forced two pass breakups in that game.

Hargreaves didn’t get too much action against the Cleveland Browns as he held Jarvis Landry to a mostly quiet performance but he logged five tackles in the road loss.

This will be a tough matchup.

The Carolina Panthers have three explosive receivers that Joe Brady likes to line up across the entire formation. Hargreaves will likely compete against all three on Thursday at some stage and could have a tough time containing them.

Nonetheless, Hargreaves has had a great start to the 2021 season and the Panthers should look for ways to exploit other weaknesses.