Ranking the 10 best Panthers players from the first quarter of 2022
By Dean Jones
87. . . . JAYCEE HORN. 5. player
Jaycee Horn – Carolina Panthers CB
Despite getting a rough ride from Amari Cooper in Week 1, the contribution of Jaycee Horn has been pleasing so far. The cornerback needed to get his football legs back after missing so much time in 2021 with a broken foot, but he looks every bit the shutdown cornerback the Carolina Panthers drafted him to be at No. 8 overall.
Horn is physical and athletic in equal measure. He is giving up just 44.4 percent of passes thrown in his direction and a 37.0 passer rating when targeted to further enhance the player’s status.
More importantly, Horn is showing no lingering effects to the surgically repaired foot. Something that indicates the South Carolina product is only going to get better.
87. . . . CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY. 4. player
Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers RB
If it wasn’t for Christian McCaffrey, there’s just no telling how bad the Panthers’ offense would look. Even though the running back’s usage has been called into question, that does not detract from how impressive he’s been over the first four games of 2022.
McCaffrey’s talent has never been in question. Keeping him healthy is the biggest problem and despite some short spells on the injury report, it’s been pretty smooth sailing.
This is the McCaffrey we all know and love. But the sooner Ben McAdoo finds the right balance regarding how the former first-round pick is deployed, the better Carolina’s chances will be.