4 crucial matchups to watch during Panthers vs. Eagles in Week 5

Carolina Panthers CB C.J. Henderson vs. DeVonta Smith

Newcomer C.J. Henderson played a larger role in his first game with the Carolina Panthers than most expected, with mixed results.

When on the field, Henderson was lined up against the No. 1 receiver most of the time which is interesting when you consider that was Donte Jackson’s role and one the Panthers veteran did well in. Not that there even is a true No.1 on a team like the Dallas Cowboys.

With another week on the practice field, we can expect to see an expanded role and usage against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5 and a probable matchup against DeVonta Smith.

This could go a couple of different ways as neither player has a lot to go on. But both have sky-high potential.

Smith has 237 receiving yards in his young career, with 122 coming against the rather lackluster defense of the Kansas City Chiefs. Whereas Henderson has shown glimpses of elite play between injury stints, namely a 64.7 percent completion percentage in limited action during his rookie season.

Either way, Smith is an exceptional route runner, something that gained the former Alabama star a Heisman Trophy in 2020 and has served him well in his rookie season. He isn’t the type of player that will burn you with top-end speed or muscle through you, but with that route skill the coverage will have to be excellent or his reception numbers will skyrocket.

A pure-blooded possession receiver that will nickel and dime defenses to death with intermediate yardage and conversions. So it won’t be enough to just limit yards after the catch as that is a minimal part of Smith’s game.

Tight, press coverage, is the only way to beat a player like Smith. Force incompletions, get him frustrated early, and when he does get the catch make him regret it.

This is something that Henderson showed flashes of against the likes of Davante Adams in 2020. The young corner has also shown an impressive ability to sniff out and fight through screens and be a sure tackler when called upon to do so.

However, as with Trevon Diggs, this is a liability as that kind of aggression can get burned badly. One double move by Smith on a setup for a big hit and it’s goodnight.

Henderson has to step up against Smith or that greatly hyped trade will begin to sour after just two games.