5 Panthers who must get more playing time in Week 7 at the Giants
By Dean Jones
Shi Smith – Carolina Panthers WR
Fans finally got to see Shi Smith active for the first time since the Carolina Panthers selected him in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. This has been a long time coming for the player, who was injured to start the campaign and has been brought along gradually by the coaching staff.
Smith didn’t look out of place and there was one play that really caught the eye. Considering how many problems the Panthers had with drops against the Minnesota Vikings, getting more dependability in this crucial area is essential and the South Carolina product might be the guy.
One thing that Smith does well is bringing the football in under pressure. He also has a knack for getting open quickly from the slot, which would aid Sam Darnold a tremendous amount in the absence of Christian McCaffrey.
Smith brought in both his catches for 20 receiving yards and also returned a kick for 24. Another major way he can impact proceedings that shouldn’t be overlooked.
This was no doubt a huge confidence boost for Smith. What’s important for the player and the Panthers is this wasn’t a flash in the pan and they start involving him a lot more both at the New York Giants and throughout the remainder of the campaign.