4 Panthers that must step up in NFC South title showdown at Bucs

C.J. Henderson – Carolina Panthers CB

The once-touted depth of the Carolina Panthers cornerback room has been utterly demolished and only one stalwart remains. The ever-frustrating C.J. Henderson.

Henderson has all the talent and the football IQ to be a superstar at the position. It has just never come together consistently for the young player to date.

But the time is now as Jaycee Horn has once again gone down with what could be a season-ending wrist injury. This has thrust the former first-round pick into the limelight at a pivotal stage of the campaign.

That will be a tall task as the vulnerable corner will be pitted against either Mike Evans or the shifty Chris Godwin. Neither of those should make any Panthers fan comfortable.

Henderson has to find the consistency that has so far eluded him and kept the Florida product from reaching his full potential. There are times when he flashes everything all at once with a highlight-worthy interception or pass defense but then follows it up with the most mind-boggling blown coverage you have ever seen.

Almost like Trevon Diggs with the Dallas Cowboys without the recognition.

This just can’t happen against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Tom Brady will make the Panthers pay. Simple as that, really.