5 under-the-radar Panthers players who must step up at the Falcons
By Dean Jones
Ian Thomas – Carolina Panthers TE
The Carolina Panthers are not scheming things up well. Even though Sam Darnold has to improve – and quickly – regarding key elements that are falling short such as footwork, distribution, and progressing from one read to the next.
Something he might not be capable of at this juncture.
That being said, the Panthers leading the lead in drops isn’t helping. And when it comes to Ian Thomas, the tight end is not creating enough separation to assist across the middle.
Thomas is in the final year of his deal and if he wants another one he’ll need to buck up his ideas. Starting this week against an Atlanta Falcons defense that’s giving up 250.5 yards-per-game through the air – ranked No. 19 across the league.
Trading Dan Arnold to the Jacksonville Jaguars as part of the C.J. Henderson deal left the Panthers short at the position. Although it might work out in the long run if the former first-round cornerback starts reaching his potential.
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The task now falls on Thomas and rookie Tommy Tremble to provide Darnold with a security blanket across the middle. Outside of a couple of flashes, it’s been another disappointing campaign for the Indiana product so far and unless improvements are made, he might be looking for a new home next spring.