3 reasons CB Stephon Gilmore can ignite the Carolina Panthers

Stephon Gilmore can be an alpha for the Carolina Panthers

Losing Jaycee Horn to a broken foot was a body blow for the Carolina Panthers. The No. 8 overall selection brought a swagger that had been sorely missing in the secondary and it was clear opposing quarterbacks wanted no part of him judging by how little the former South Carolina star was targeted.

It’s not been the same without Horn. Although Donte Jackson and A.J. Bouye are playing well.

There’s just something missing.

And Stephon Gilmore has what the Panthers are looking for.

Gilmore’s production alone dictates he can be an alpha in Horn’s absence. He might not be a renowned trash talker, but the player lets his performances speak for themselves – striking fear into almost anybody he’s come up against along the way.

Leading by example might not look as flashy. But it is just as if not more effective.

The Panthers already have a highly motivated defense that appears right on the cusp of something special. Even more so if Horn can get back before the campaign comes to a conclusion.

Until then, Gilmore is the new alpha.

A responsibility he’s had a lot of over the years and there’s nothing to suggest it won’t be the making of him in a different environment.

Expecting miracles right away is unrealistic considering how long Gilmore’s been out. But it shouldn’t be long before he gets himself up to speed and this is something that should cause great excitement for a fanbase that’s become increasingly frustrated in recent weeks.