3 Panthers position groups that must step up vs. the Eagles in Week 5

Carolina Panthers CBs

Much roster movement has transpired over the last two weeks within the Carolina Panthers cornerback room with the loss of Jaycee Horn. Both C.J. Henderson and Stephon Gilmore were acquired in eye-catching trades and A.J. Bouye is also back in the mix following suspension.

Jackson, Henderson, and Bouye, alongside Rashaan Melvin, will be covering a young and unproven Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver corps headlined by rookie DeVonta Smith.

The former Alabama star is flanked by second-year starters Jalen Reagor and Quez Watkins. He gobbled up honors at the collegiate ranks winning the Heisman, AP College Football Player of the Year, and Best Male College Athlete at the ESPY Awards.

Can all that success translate into a long, fruitful professional career?

Do Reagor and Watkins, who have combined for 24 receptions, 335 yards, and once, stand a chance against the Panthers cornerback unit?

By shutting down the passing game, Jalen Hurts will be forced to improvise and scramble which may lead to decision fatigue late in the game. Something that has to transpire if Carolina wants to get themselves back in the win column at the earliest possible opportunity.

This game will be too soon for Gilmore, who is expected back in Week 7 against the New York Giants. But Henderson might be more involved now he’s had additional time to acclimatize.