4 Panthers players that must respond positively in Week 3 vs. Saints
By Dean Jones
Robbie Anderson – Carolina Panthers WR
There was renewed hope surrounding Robbie Anderson after a marvelous performance during a disappointing opening day loss to the Cleveland Browns. The speedy wide receiver went over 100 yards and a touchdown, which was the perfect start to his bounce-back campaign after career-low numbers across the board in 2021.
This proved to be fleeting. Anderson went back to his frustrating self at the New York Giants, coughing up a fumble early in the game and bringing in three receptions from five targets for 32 yards.
Anderson is fighting to see out the final year of his deal, which will count $21.71 million against the salary cap in 2023. The player didn’t endear himself to many fans this week, coming to the fierce defense of head coach Matt Rhule, who he’s worked with previously from their time together at Temple.
"“I’m playing this game for Coach Rhule, more than anything. He’s getting a lot of blame that it’s not him. But we know, as a team, that he’s telling us what we need to do. He can’t coach and play. He’s not out there to make us do the simple things he’s been put in this position to do. So you know what I’m sayin’? I’m playing this game for him.”"
Fans have every right to voice their displeasure after sending their hard-earned cash to watch nine-straight defeats and a 10-25 record under Rhule. Anderson must now back up his big talk with improved production against an exceptional New Orleans Saints secondary.