What games will define what could be a true breakout season for Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn upon his return from injury in 2022?
It was incredibly disappointing to see Jaycee Horn‘s rookie season end early thanks to a broken foot in Week 3 at the Houston Texans. The Carolina Panthers selected him No. 8 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft and even though passing on Juston Fields or Mac Jones was a big call to make, the gifted cornerback certainly looked the part during his brief time on the field.
According to some recent workout videos, Horn is fresh and raring to go after a significant period of rehabilitation. Something that the Panthers will need after letting All-Pro Stephon Gilmore leave in free agency for the Indianapolis Colts.
Horn is an alpha. A true shutdown presence that is more than capable of locking down one side of the field, which Carolina hasn’t had in quite some time now.
It will be interesting to see how Horn gets on throughout his sophomore campaign. Now that the 2022 schedule has officially been released, here are five games that could define the South Carolina product’s season.
Game No. 1
Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks
- Jaycee Horn vs. D.K. Metcalf
Even though Donte Jackson was re-signed, it would be a big surprise if Jaycee Horn didn’t take on the mantle of locking down the opposition’s best weapon in the passing game. A responsibility he looked ready for in Year 1 before such an unfortunate turn of events on Thursday Night Football.
Russell Wilson might no longer be on the Seattle Seahawks, but D.K. Metcalf will be a significant challenge for Horn thanks to his size, explosiveness, and ability to stretch the field.
At least from the outside looking in, this appears like one of the most winnable road games for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. Horn must get the better of this battle for his team to triumph.