3 crucial Panthers storylines to watch at the Seahawks in Week 14
By Dean Jones
Jaycee Horn vs. D.K. Metcalf
Despite landing on the injury report with a hip issue, wide receiver D.K. Metcalf is expected to participate against the Carolina Panthers according to ESPN’s insider Adam Schefter. This is great news for fans, who get to see the physical specimen go up against stud cornerback Jaycee Horn for what promises to be a monumental battle.
Horn is emerging as a supreme shutdown presence after missing most of his rookie campaign through injury. But this is arguably the toughest test of his young career so far thanks to the exceptional attributes Metcalf brings to the table.
These matchups are what separate the good corners from the great. And considering the struggles C.J. Henderson’s gone through in 2022, it would be wise for the Panthers to give Horn the freedom to shadow Metcalf from start to finish.
If Horn can somehow restrict Metcalf, it’ll do the Panthers’ chances of securing an upset the world of good. It will also propel the former South Carolina standout into the elite category once and for all.
The Panthers are banking on Horn locking down Metcalf or at least limiting his influence. However, the onus will also be on Brian Burns and the defensive front to make things extremely difficult for quarterback Geno Smith to further assist.
In truth, making Metcalf anonymous is almost impossible. But if Horn matches fire with fire, his contribution can be kept to a minimum.
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