4 bold changes the Panthers must consider after Week 15 thumping
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers should move Jeremy Chinn to LB
Sunday’s performance was not one the Carolina Panthers defense will remember with any fondness. It’s also important that Al Holcomb’s unit doesn’t dwell on it too much for risk of undoing all their good work so far this season.
One of the primary letdowns against the Pittsburgh Steelers was Jeremy Chinn. The do-it-all defender looked hesitant on running downs and the ongoing frailties in coverage stood out considerably once C.J. Henderson was forced out of the game through injury.
Chinn’s been inconsistent in 2022 so far. A spell on injured/reserve didn’t help, but fans are right to expect more from a player that’s taken the Panthers by storm since arriving as a second-round selection in 2020.
The Southern Illinois product’s best work since joining the team came when he occupied an outside linebacker position as a rookie. Something the Panthers might want to contemplate over the final three games.
Pairing Chinn with Frankie Luvu on the edge and switching Shaq Thompson onto the interior represents a productive trio capable of solidifying a problem positional group. One that was further hindered with rookie Brandon Smith going on season-ending injured/reserve last weekend.