5 Carolina Panthers on the hot seat ahead of Week 2 at NY Giants
By Dean Jones
Phil Hoskins – Carolina Panthers DT
The Carolina Panthers did little to address their defensive line depth throughout the offseason. Losing DaQuan Jones and Haason Reddick in free agency meant it was up to their young stars to make significant strides in 2022, which didn’t exactly go according to plan in Week 1.
As stated previously, the Cleveland Browns churned out big yardage in the run game. When the time came to generate pressure, quarterback Jacoby Brissett seemingly had all day to throw in crucial situations.
This is simply not good enough. And even though Phil Hoskins played 20 percent of the team’s defensive snaps, he was overawed on almost every play and given a pathetic 28.6 grade from Pro Football Focus as a result of his efforts.
The former seventh-round selection was preferred to others en route to a roster spot. There was a lot to like about Hoskins’ introduction as a rookie in 2021, but Cleveland’s offensive line dominated the Kentucky product despite missing some key figures including two-time All-Pro tackle Jack Conklin.
When the Panthers call on Hoskins, he must deliver. The defense has no room for passengers and the interior defensive lineman was exactly that when on the field during Carolina’s opening day defeat.