5 Carolina Panthers that must play more down the stretch in 2021
By Dean Jones
Shi Smith – Carolina Panthers WR
There were perhaps more passing plays that Matt Rhule cared for on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, But that’s what happens when you’re playing from behind.
Outside of one or two promising drives, it was another poor performance in this phase of play. If the Carolina Panthers were hoping Joe Brady’s firing would galvanize the players, they ended up out of luck once again.
Whether anything substantial can change between now and the end of the season is highly debatable. But the Panthers need to explore the possibility of getting Shi Smith more involved to give his development a real shot in the arm.
Smith was an intriguing pickup by the Panthers following a standout college career at South Carolina. However, his adjustment to the pros has been slow and the wideout is yet another unknown stuck down the depth chart.
Again, this is a case of what’s the worst that can happen?
Carolina needs a spark from somewhere. Smith has the ball skills and competitive edge to potentially make a difference if given the opportunity.
The first-year-pro has been active four times and has three receptions from five targets. Both Smith and Terrace Marshall Jr. have been non-factors during their rookie seasons – something that has to change moving forward.