4 Carolina Panthers players on the hot seat in Week 11 at Ravens
By Dean Jones
Keith Taylor Jr. – Carolina Panthers CB
The severity of Donte Jackson’s injury was confirmed and it was as bad as the Carolina Panthers feared. A torn Achilles will keep the speedy cornerback out for the rest of 2022 and way beyond that based on the nature of this problem, which is a body blow to the franchise given how much they invested in the former LSU stud before free agency.
Carolina is adopting a next-man-up mentality. Demands will increase for Jaycee Horn and C.J. Henderson, but Keith Taylor Jr. should also be counted upon heavily down the stretch after he was seldom seen before Matt Rhule’s firing.
Taylor performed much better than expected as a rookie. The 2021 fifth-round pick looked assured in coverage and made things happen on a rotational basis, which is an experience that can stand him in good stead as the team’s No. 3 option moving forward.
The Washington product needs to make his presence felt more effectively than he’s demonstrated of late. Taylor is giving up 75 percent of balls thrown in his direction and a 129.9 passer rating when targeted, which isn’t going to cut it against a Baltimore Ravens offense renowned for capitalizing on any weaknesses.
This is a huge test of character for Taylor. Steve Wilks has obvious faith in the player, which needs to be repaid by improved production when it matters most.