5 Carolina Panthers on the hot seat at Saints in Week 18
By Dean Jones
Keith Taylor Jr. – Carolina Panthers CB
Much like the situation regarding C.J. Henderson, last weekend was one Keith Taylor Jr. will want to forget in a hurry. However, the cornerback at least had the courage to hold himself accountable publicly in front of the media.
Taylor’s been found wanting in two huge games for the Carolina Panthers this season. The former fifth-round pick was torched by Diontae Johnson against the Pittsburgh Steelers and had similar difficulties in the face of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, who enjoyed substantial success versus a cornerback unit missing Jaycee Horn’s shutdown capabilities.
This was another body blow for Taylor’s hopes of becoming a prominent starter in Carolina. While a spot on the rotation cannot be dismissed in 2023, the prospect of a new coaching staff coming in with a fresh set of perceptions means nothing is guaranteed where the one-time Washington standout is concerned.
After giving up 68.6 percent of targets and a 129.0 passer rating when targeted this season, Taylor’s regression is obvious. Something that could lead the Panthers into drafting a top prospect from the college ranks early in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Finishing on a positive note at the New Orleans Saints would turn the tide slightly. Whether Taylor is capable of such a challenge based on his recent production is up for debate.