Which Panthers player could break out vs. the Eagles in Week 5?
By Noah Bryce
Donte Jackson is becoming an elite CB for the Carolina Panthers
When healthy, Donte Jackson had been one of the best cover corners in the NFL by multiple stats in 2021. While his interception totals have lagged behind I’d gladly exchange that for the increase in coverage ability and consistency.
This matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles will provide another great chance for the young corner to ball out behind the scenes and maybe start generating a little buzz and much deserved praise as their passing attack isn’t the most reliable of things.
It remains to be seen where the Carolina Panthers end up playing Jackson as the main threat of the Eagles receiver room is rookie DeVonta Smith. And someone like C.J. Henderson might be called upon for that matchup.
However, I am always one to play devil’s advocate.
If Jackson lines up against the former Alabama star instead of Henderson, you can trade some explosiveness for consistency and that might be the better route in the end. Even if it’s not the most intriguing one.
Jackson will go about quietly locking down the short routes and quick steps that Smith loves to use to get open and stay close on his hip for the entire game. Sometimes giving up the completion rather than the long play or the penalty.
He adopted a similar mindset against CeeDee Lamb o their defeat at the Dallas Cowboys, which worked to perfection even with everything else falling apart around the star corner.
Jackson just doesn’t get beat on those moves like he used to.