Loser No. 4
Jaelan Phillips - Carolina Panthers OLB
The Carolina Panthers gave Jaelan Phillips a four-year, $120 million contract with $80 million guaranteed in free agency. He's made a superb start with the franchise, but this wasn't his best afternoon by any stretch of the imagination.
Phillips looked explosive when given chances to rush the passer. It wasn't perfect, but he overcommitted countless times. This allowed Deshaun Watson to step up in the pocket and make plays on the run.
For someone with Phillips' experience, this was unacceptable. Staying disciplined against the run while holding containment was a key part of the strategy, and the big-money acquisition didn't hold up his end of the bargain.
The former Miami Hurricanes standout was frustrated after the game, both with his own performance and the eventual result. Fortunately, there isn't too much to worry about with Phillips, but he'll have another stiff task on his hands next weekend against the Detroit Lions' high-octane offense.
Winner No. 3
Lathan Ransom - Carolina Panthers S
Not all the news was bad for the Panthers. Some encouraging signs emerged from the contest, though the result wasn't what fans expected in the crunch.
Lathan Ransom was among the bright spots amid the doom and gloom. The second-year safety got the start with Nick Scott out with a rib issue, and he took advantage by flashing immense promise.
Ransom was always around the action. He missed a couple of tackles, but the mistakes are becoming a lot fewer compared to his rookie exploits. The Ohio State product is a hard-hitting, explosive athlete, finishing the game with eight tackles and making a significant difference.
This was a positive development for Ransom. He should have an important role, even if Scott gets the all-clear to return. And if he keeps developing, the 2025 fourth-round pick could become a real steal.
Loser No. 5
Rasheed Walker - Carolina Panthers OT
If you're sensing a theme here, you'd be right. The offensive line was a weak link throughout their loss to the Browns, and the performance of veteran left tackle Rasheed Walker was nowhere near the required standard.
Walker signed a team-friendly one-year deal this offseason. With Ikem Ekwonu out, the Panthers needed a stable, experienced presence on the blindside until the North Carolina State product returns. But with rookie Monroe Freeling forced to the right-hand side after Taylor Moton's health issue, more is demanded.
The Penn State product couldn't live with Jared Verse. His speed, length, and burst off the snap were difficult to counteract, and Walker had no real answer.
One could make a case for Walker being a better pass protector than Ekwonu, but he is not a better all-around tackle. Just when the 2022 first-round pick returns is debatable, but until then, the Panthers need their free-agent signing to perform a lot better than this.
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