5 critical takeaways from the Carolina Panthers’ loss vs. the Falcons

Questions must be asked about the CJ Henderson trade

While one is aware CJ Henderson must be a long-term project where the Carolina Panthers are concerned, as the weeks go by the decision to send Dan Arnold and a third-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the former No. 10 overall selection is looking more and more suspect.

Henderson has flashed during his time in Carolina so far.

However, on the Atlanta Falcons’ second drive Matt Ryan went at the cornerback, finding Russell Gage at will as Henderson struggled, getting beat over the top with worrying ease.

Questions were leveled at Henderson in Jacksonville about how much the former Florida Gator actually wanted to play football. One has to question how much motivation he possesses.

It’s also important we don’t downplay how losing Arnold impacted this offense.

Although it’s not for one second suggesting Sam Darnold would have not stunk the place up if Arnold was still around, those two formed a connection in training camp and the former Arizona Cardinal became a reliable target for the signal-caller through the opening three games.

Now Henderson is only 23 years old and Phil Snow clearly sees him as a long-term project. One that could prove a shrewd move in years to come.

However, with Carolina currently sitting with no Day 2 pick and no high-level tight end play, it’s understandable why the trade is being questioned.