4 key observations from Panthers 2022 training camp practice Day 11

Carolina Panthers CB Donte Jackson’s shift in approach

There isn’t much that Donte Jackson hasn’t seen since joining the Carolina Panthers. A significant roster overhaul under the current regime propelled him to one of the team’s longest-serving players in no time at all and the strides made from a leadership standpoint have been extremely encouraging where the cornerback is concerned.

Jackson signed a new three-year extension this offseason, which comes with increased expectations. With that being said, the player is also looking for the organization overall to adopt a completely different mindset in Year 3 of Matt Rhule’s tenure.

Speaking to reporters following practice, Jackson claimed that the Panthers were not going to be a team that willingly rolled over anymore. Of course, that all starts on the practice field by getting things right before the real action gets here.

"“All of us are not submitting to being a team that everyone looks down upon. We’re not submitting to that. So whatever it takes, if it takes doing two-minute (drills) again, that’s what we’re gonna do. Whatever it takes to feel like we came off the field and competed and got the best out of each other.”"

The cornerback room has enough talent to set the tone. A few have endured problems with injuries throughout camp and Jaycee Horn is working his way back slowly, but all signs point to the secondary becoming an area of real strength under the expert leadership of Steve Wilks.

Jackson is the leader of the group, make no mistake about that. But now that he’s getting paid like a top-tier corner, the performance levels need to reflect this more consistently.