4 Panthers players with potential to get hot down the stretch in 2022
By Dean Jones
Marquis Haynes – Carolina Panthers DE
Al Holcomb’s defense is coming on leaps and bounds. The Carolina Panthers have stifled their opponents since getting hammered at the Cincinnati Bengals, which is making things easier for the offense to continue establishing their identity for good measure.
With that being said, creating pressure remains a slight concern. Much of this depends on how Brian Burns performs flying off the edge, but Marquis Haynes‘ consistency from a rotational role is fast becoming an integral part of the team’s strategy.
Haynes does more with less and it’s been this way almost from the moment he entered the league out of Ole Miss. The former fourth-round selection took time to get going this season, but there’s been a lot to like about his influence over the last five games that should stand the player in good stead down the stretch.
It might be worth Haynes getting more reps at the expense of Yetur Gross-Matos. Although the Penn State product deserves credit for his ongoing improvements against the run despite not doing enough in obvious pass-rushing situations.
With four sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and 12 pressures from 41 percent of Carolina’s defensive snaps, Haynes deserves all the recognition coming his way. Something that could ensure a strong end to the campaign if this trend continues.