5 superb positives from the Panthers triumph vs. Broncos in Week 12

Carolina Panthers got improved play from C.J. Henderson

It’s been a tough season for C.J. Henderson. After impressing most of the assembled media during training camp, big things were expected from the former top-10 pick. However, things haven’t transpired that way and outside of Week 8 against the Atlanta Falcons, the cornerback has been a liability in the Carolina Panthers secondary.

Demarcus Robinson had a career day matched up with Henderson last time out. Steve Wilks called him out shortly after, stating his production just wasn’t good enough, but to his credit, he responded well versus the Denver Broncos.

With the Panthers’ top corner Jaycee Horn shadowing Courtland Sutton, this left Henderson matched up with the Broncos WR2. With KJ Hamler and Jerry Jeudy out through injury, former Wake Forest man Kendall Hinton was the man.

Hinton was kept mostly in check with five receptions for 35 receiving yards as Henderson had four tackles. These are exactly the kind of matchups during the season that the Florida product has struggled with, so he deserves credit.

With Donte Jackson done for the season, Henderson has to step into a bigger role. And the player has five games remaining to prove to the Panthers’ front office that they should pick up his fifth-year option for the 2024 season.

If the campaign ended today, it’s hard to argue the Panthers would do that. But this was a step in the right direction.