5 Panthers players whose hype train is rolling after Week 3 triumph

Laviska Shenault Jr. – Carolina Panthers WR

It’s taken a while for Laviska Shenault Jr. to be formally introduced following his trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars. But the wide receiver made the biggest impression imaginable to tip the scales in Week 3.

Shenault ran with purpose and violence whenever the football was in his hands. A couple of useful kick returns caught the eye and his 67-yard touchdown displayed further what he might be able to accomplish within Ben McAdoo’s scheme.

The Panthers struggled to find any fluency in moving the chains once again, which is rapidly becoming their biggest concern. However, there is no doubt Shenault has a part to play based on how he looked against a New Orleans Saints secondary loaded with difference-makers.

This is a positive step for Shenault, who is still learning what’s required in McAdoo’s system. But the time has officially come for the Panthers to make him a bigger part of their game plan moving forward.

Shenault’s ability to take screens or shallow routes and turn them into big gains could be a significant asset. One that Carolina’s offense needs until Baker Mayfield figures out a way to connect consistently with the likes of D.J. Moore and Robbie Anderson.