5 Carolina Panthers set for more playing time at the Cowboys in Week 4
By Dean Jones
Keith Taylor Jr. – Carolina Panthers CB
Trading for C.J. Henderson was proof positive that the Carolina Panthers are intent on winning right not whilst also focusing on the future. It’s a fine line, but they are banking on the former Florida star finally realizing his potential in a different environment.
Whether Henderson is ready for a significant role at the Dallas Cowboys remains to be seen. Jaycee Horn’s exceptional production needs to be replaced somehow, with this task probably falling on the shoulders of Pro Bowler A.J. Bouye during what will be his official Panthers debut.
If the Panthers decide Henderson needs more time to integrate, then it could see Keith Taylor Jr. see additional involvement. The fifth-round selection is a solid press cover cornerback from the slot, which is exactly where Carolina needs assistance if Bouye switches to the outside.
This is a lot of responsibility for someone with a distinct lack of experience.
That being said, throwing Taylor in at the deep end could be the making of him.
Carolina still has Donte Jackson and Bouye, with Jeremy Chinn lending support from the backend. They’ll all be needed not only in the passing game but also against Dallas’ two-headed monster at the running back position in Ezekiel Elliot and Tony Pollard.
Taylor’s a work in progress, for sure. But the simple fact is Carolina might need him to stand up and be counted in Week 4.