The Carolina Panthers have gone from the hunter to the hunted quickly under head coach Dave Canales. And cornerback Jaycee Horn knows precisely how to help this upstart playoff hopeful take the next step.
During a conversation with the NFL Network after the ninth practice of training camp, Horn believes the Panthers have won back the league's respect after being considered a laughingstock just a few short years ago. He also thought starting games a lot faster can help keep this positive momentum going.
Jaycee Horn believes Carolina Panthers must start quicker after gaining respect
A simple concept, but Horn is absolutely right.
"We've gotta start fast, you know? To me, that's what I feel like we've gotta do. We've got to start fast. There's no more walking into games. Teams thinking, "Oh, we're playing the Panthers", and we sneak up and beat them. Teams are going to give us their best shot. I feel like we've earned their respect, so we've got to go out there and back it up and start games fast to get the win."
Everyone will be gunning for the Panthers now, especially those within the NFC South. They are the defending division champions, which brings a different set of pressure that must be handled effectively.
"We gotta start fast" ⚡️@jayceehorn_ on how the @Panthers can defend their division title @Sara_Walsh | @SteveSmithSr89 pic.twitter.com/YyGq1A50F0
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 9, 2026
It's uncharted territory for the Panthers. They have typically been among the bottom feeders throughout David Tepper's ownership. Even though they only won eight games last season, it was a positive step in the right direction. And pushing the Los Angeles Rams right to the limit in the playoffs shows what this team could accomplish if everyone is on point.
Being a target rather than being written off will be a new experience for everybody. Starting more games on the front foot will help, but the raised bar must be sustained. Horn knows it, and the two-time Pro Bowl corner is being counted upon heavily as one of Carolina's legitimate franchise cornerstones.
Horn has rid himself of the injury problems that blighted his early career exploits. He is widely regarded as one of the league's best shutdown corners, and his partnership with Mike Jackson Sr. became an elite pairing last season. More is expected this time around, but defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is already experimenting with ways to make the South Carolina product more influential.
The Panthers plan to use Horn more in the slot. That will give him the flexibility to neutralize the opposition's best receiving threat all over the field, which is something the player is sure to relish.
He's someone the Panthers look to for inspiration. When Horn is playing well, it makes things easier for anybody. And if he has any say in the matter, Carolina will be attacking contests from the first whistle in a bid to impose themselves.
After experiencing almost nothing but losing since he was drafted No. 8 overall in 2021, Horn now has a taste of success. He doesn't plan on losing it.
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