Tag: Clay Johnston

Why Panthers fans might want to root for the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI

Are you a Panthers fan still without a rooting interest for Super Bowl LVI? Well, here’s why you might want to pull for the Bengals.

Sans a division rival or Tom friggin’ Brady, Super Bowl LVI carries one of the least offensive matchups Carolina Panthers can find. So, if you’re in that particular group of viewers (and don’t have any guap down on the game), you may be also trying to find a rooting interest for Sunday.

Well, look no further than the Cincinnati Bengals!

The AFC champions carry a total of five former Panthers on their roster—which is four more than the NFC champion Los Angeles Rams can claim. Being that the Panthers themselves can’t capture the Lombardi Trophy, then maybe cheering on some old friends is the best route to take for this one.

Those players include:

  • CB Eli Apple
  • DT Zach Kerr
  • LB Clay Johnston
  • RB Elijah Holyfield
  • RB John Brannan

Three of the five familiar faces are members of the Bengals’ active roster—Apple, Kerr and Johnston. Holyfield, who broke into the league with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2019, and Brannan, a Charlotte, N.C. native, are currently on Cincinnati’s practice squad.

Kerr, oddly enough, will be facing the Rams for the second time this postseason. His first encounter with Los Angeles came in a Wild Card Round loss as a member of the Arizona Cardinals.

Johnston has already made a unique stamp of his own as well in the playoffs. His stop of running back Derrick Henry on a 2-point try helped the Bengals upset the Tennessee Titans in the Divisional Round.

And Apple, of course, is Apple. Certainly no stranger to the spotlight this season, the former first-round draft pick is playing the best ball of his six-year NFL career—which, contrary to what Matt Rhule may have told him, is still alive and well.

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Panthers place LT Cameron Erving, C Matt Paradis on IR

The Panthers’ offensive line will now move on without LT Cameron Erving and C Matt Paradis for the foreseeable future.

We’re running out of fingers to count how many different offensive line combinations the Carolina Panthers have used this season. So, hopefully, we can grow a few more.

Until then, the counting will continue as the team announced they’ve placed center Matt Paradis and left tackle Cameron Erving on the injured reserve.

Paradis, who tore his ACL in Sunday’s 24-6 loss to the New England Patriots, will miss the remainder of the 2021 campaign. Erving, meanwhile, had an MRI scheduled for Monday to determine the severity of his calf injury.

As for the incoming Week 10 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals—the Panthers will likely tab Dennis Daley and Pat Elflein to replace Erving and Paradis, respectively.

Carolina also announced a pair of departures, as they’ve waived running back Royce Freeman and linebacker Clay Johnston.

The return of star rusher Christian McCaffrey and the signing of Ameer Abdullah has made Freeman, who played in eight games, a fourth wheel. He totaled 77 yards on the ground over 21 carries.

Johnson appeared in six games, posting a combined 10 tackles.

The team, additionally, signed punter Lachlan Edwards up to the active roster and placed practice squad wideout Aaron Parker on the injured reserve as well.

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Panthers Week 1 inactives: New acquisitions out vs. Jets

We knew WR Shi Smith would be out for the opener against the Jets. What other Panthers will be joining him on the sideline today?

The Carolina Panthers released their list of inactive players an hour and a half ahead of kickoff against the New York Jets on Sunday. Here’s the group:

WR Shi Smith (shoulder injury)
G Michael Jordan (healthy)
DE Darryl Johnson (healthy)
DT Phil Hoskins (healthy)
G Deonte Brown (healthy)
LB Clay Johnston (healthy)

Smith’s status, of course, should come as no shock. The rookie receiver was already deemed out for this one as he nurses a shoulder injury.

Taking his spot, unofficially, will be wideout Alex Erickson. Erickson was just signed to and elevated from the practice squad to undertake punt return duties for the opener.

Jordan and Johnson, who were both acquired over the last two weeks, are also down.

Perhaps the most surprising inactive is the rookie Brown. With starting right guard John Miller out after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, some extra offensive line depth could’ve been useful, especially for a less-than-stellar unit. Nonetheless, Dennis Daley takes the starting nod for Miller.

Here’s who the Jets have out for the contest:

RB Josh Adams
RB La’Mical Perine
LB Quincy Williams
CB Jason Pinnock
DL Jonathan Marshall
WR Keelan Cole

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Panthers finalize initial 2021 53-man roster

A summer’s worth of evaluations and a few days’ worth of departures has left us with this, the initial 53-man roster of the 2021 Carolina Panthers.

Just 15 minutes before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET, the Carolina Panthers made their final move to reach the 53-man roster limit. That casualty comes at the expense of running back Rodney Smith, who the team has now waived.

So, after a summer’s worth of evaluations and a few days’ worth of cuts, here were are. This is the Panthers’ initial 53-man roster heading into the 2021 regular season:

Quarterbacks (2): Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker

Running backs (3): Christian McCaffrey, Chuba Hubbard, Trenton Cannon

Fullback (1): Giovanni Ricci

Wide receivers (6)  : DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, Terrace Marshall Jr., David Moore, Brandon Zylstra, Shi Smith

Tight ends (4): Dan Arnold, Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble, Colin Thompson

Offensive line (9): Cameron Erving, Pat Elflein, Matt Paradis, John Miller, Taylor Moton, Trent Scott, Dennis Daley, Brady Christensen, Deonte Brown

Defensive line (10): Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, DaQuan Jones, Morgan Fox, Yetur Gross-Matos, Marquis Haynes, Darryl Johnson, Daviyon Nixon, Bravvion Roy, Phil Hoskins

Linebackers (6):Shaq Thompson, Jermaine Carter Jr., Haason Reddick, Frankie Luvu, Julian Stanford, Clay Johnston

Defensive backs (9): Donte Jackson, Jaycee Horn, Jeremy Chinn, Juston Burris, Keith Taylor, Myles Hartsfield, Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, Sam Franklin, Sean Chandler

Specialists (3): Ryan Santoso, Joseph Charlton, J.J. Jansen

Obviously, the roster is subject to change leading up to their Week 1 matchup with the New York Jets. There will be plenty of players who were let go elsewhere that may pique the braintrust’s interest.

But until then, these are your first 53, Carolina.

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Analysis: DE Darryl Johnson could give Panthers personnel flexibility

What implications does the trade for DE Darryl Johnson have in the Panthers’ plans moving forward?

The current construction of the Buffalo Bills, just about from up to down, contains numerous beams that were originally established in the Carolina Panthers organization. So many, in fact, they earned the playful nickname of “Carolina North” from the folks down and around in the Tar Heel State.

Well, it now seems as though the Panthers may be on their way to earning themselves a “Buffalo South” moniker.

Ok, maybe not quite yet, but they did syphon some talent back their way from Buffalo, trading for defensive end Darryl Johnson early on Monday afternoon. The deal was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, soon after the team announced the day’s practice and media availability was cancelled.

So, with Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline approaching, this’ll certainly have some implications on what the team ultimately looks like. First off, how would head coach Matt Rhule and his staff try to employ Johnson?

Despite being listed as an end (and standing at a towering 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds), the 2019 seventh-rounder can squeeze into the mold as a linebacker, particularly one that can be utilized on special teams.

Johnson did show promise as a rotational piece for Buffalo in his two campaigns there, amassing a pair of sacks and five quarterback hits while playing in 31 of 32 games. Though it’s his proven capability as a core special teamer, and the potential for more on defense given his traits, that has apparently caught the franchise’s eye.

The Panthers, as stated by general manager Scott Fitterer, highlighted linebacker depth as one of the areas that particularly needed help. Last week’s trade of oft-absent Denzel Perryman knocked the team down to its starting trio of Shaq Thompson, Jermaine Carter Jr. and Haason Reddick ahead of backups Frankie Luvu, Clay Johnston, Julian Stanford and Josh Bynes.

Luvu, along with the starters, are assured their jerseys through Tuesday. That could mean any of the bubbles between Johnston, Stanford and Bynes are in jeopardy of being popped before 4 p.m. ET tomorrow.

Defensive end Christian Miller might be another name to watch as a development of the deal. He would potentially lose out in a pure numbers game, as he’s been solid this summer. But if Fitterer and Rhule decide to roster Johnson at his expense, it’s because he’s the lowest man left on the defensive end totem pole.

To keep track of all the Panthers’ cuts in the upcoming 26 hours, follow along here.

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Defining Chargers HC Brandon Staley’s mold at each position on defense

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley has a certain criteria that needs to be met at each position on the defensive side of the ball.

The Chargers have various position needs that will be addressed come draft day, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

With Brandon Staley the new sheriff in town, this won’t be about selecting the best defender and throwing them on the field. Instead, he has a specific mold at each position.

Starting up front, where Staley has a three-man look in his 3-4 base defense, versatility is key for his defensive linemen, as they must possess the ability to play from multiple alignments.

For Staley, the outside linebackers or edge defenders in his scheme are lengthy and explosive players who should be able to set the edge versus tight ends and “dominate” the edge in the run game.

“I think it’s something that’s not talked about enough,” Staley said. “It’s been the hallmark of where we played before.”

Overall, Staley loves to rotate his front by mixing looks and moving guys around.

One of the traits he liked about their third-round pick Terrell Lewis at Alabama was the way he played every position on the defensive line, from the seven-technique to the three and, a few times, even nose tackle.

As for inside linebackers, Staley looks for instinctive players who are “great processors” and “outstanding tacklers” with the ability to communicate and lead effectively.

Clay Johnston, the Rams’ seventh-round pick from a year ago, was just that. An instinctive football player who was always a hunt mode.

Like the defensive line, Staley requires position versatility with his defensive backs, especially at safety.

Terrell Burgess, who was drafted by the Rams last year, showed the range to play man coverage in the slot or diagnose from depth in a single-high role.

With his corners, Staley said players they value have to be able to cover man-to-man, have movement ability when playing off coverage, ball skills when they’re at the third level and the ability to tackle in open space.

Only 10 days until we find out how Staley will go about his first draft as the Chargers’ head coach.

Panthers rule out rookie CB Troy Pride, elevate 2 from practice squad

The Carolina Panthers have announced a few moves ahead of tomorrow’s game against the Washington Football Team.

The Carolina Panthers have announced a few moves ahead of tomorrow’s game against the Washington Football Team.

CB Troy Pride Jr. ruled out

According to Will Bryan, rookie cornerback Troy Pride Jr. has been downgraded from doubtful to out for this week’s matchup due to the hip injury he suffered last Saturday night against the Green Bay Packers. He will not be traveling with the team. Pride has started in eight games this year and played in 14, totaling 42 tackles and two pass deflections. He has allowed a 118.3 passer rating in coverage, though. Look for seventh-round pick Stantley Thomas-Oliver to get more snaps as a result.

OT Matt Kasey elevated from practice squad

Also, Bryan says offensive tackle Matt Kaskey has been given the standard practice squad elevation for Sunday’s game. If he’s active, it will be the first time he’s played during his NFL career.

LB Clay Johnson also elevated

Finally, rookie linebacker Clay Johnson has also been elevated from the practice squad. He played for coach Matt Rhule at Baylor, posting 4.5 sacks and 26.5 tackles for a loss in his college career.

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Former Rams 7th-rounder Clay Johnston joining Panthers practice squad

The Rams were unable to retain Johnston, who joins his dad and former college coach in Carolina.

Not only did the Rams decide to cut seventh-round linebacker Clay Johnston, but they won’t be retaining him on their practice squad, either. Johnston cleared waivers, making him available to the Rams again as a practice squad candidate. Rather than re-signing with the Rams, however, Johnston is joining the Panthers practice squad, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic.

As Rodrigue reported, Johnston’s dad, Kent, is the head of Carolina’s strength program. So the two will get to remain close, rather than being across the country.

Additionally, Johnston’s college coach at Baylor, Matt Rhule, is now the head coach of the Panthers, and he brought along with him several assistant from Baylor. That level of familiarity likely made the Panthers the best option for Johnston.

Los Angeles drafted Johnston in the seventh round this year. He was coming off a torn ACL suffered in October, but is close to completely healthy, if not 100% already.

The Rams had a similar situation play out last year with inside linebacker Dakota Allen. Los Angeles cut the seventh-rounder but was able to sign him to the practice squad. However, the Raiders signed him to their 53-man roster from the Rams’ practice squad.

Los Angeles signed him back to its practice squad after he was waived by Oakland, but wound up with Jacksonville in December.

Rams waive 7th-round rookie LB Clay Johnston

The Rams have waived their first rookie from the 2020 draft class.

The Los Angeles Rams didn’t do much to address the inside linebacker position in free agency or the draft, and the one player they did select in April’s draft isn’t going to make the 53-man roster.

The Rams have waived rookie linebacker Clay Johnston, whom they selected in the seventh round out of Baylor. He’s the 18th player to be waived by the Rams in the last two days, bringing their roster down to 62 players ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

The Rams must trim their roster to 53 players before 1 p.m. PT today. Johnston confirmed the news on Instagram, as well.

Johnston suffered a torn ACL in October but was working his way back to 100% this summer. He had an uphill climb to making the roster as a seventh-round pick, especially coming off an injury.

He’s a candidate to land on the practice squad, however, with the Rams being thin at inside linebacker heading into the season.

Rams LBs coach shares encouraging insight on rookie Clay Johnston

Clay Johnston actually benefited from the virtual offseason more than he would have from a normal program.

For most rookies, the condensed and virtual offseason did them no favors as they transition from college to the NFL. Rams rookie linebacker Clay Johnston may have actually benefited more from all the Zoom calls and virtual work the team did than he would have from actual OTAs and minicamp.

That’s because Johnston is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in October and had the Rams gone through a normal offseason with on-field work and practices, Johnston would’ve been stuck on the sidelines.

Despite his knee injury, Johnston was able to participate in everything the Rams did this offseason and wasn’t forced to miss any time. That’s a plus in linebackers coach Joe Barry’s eyes, who shared his thoughts on Johnston on the Rams Revealed podcast with J.B. Long.

“Because we were not allowed to do anything from an offseason standpoint, we just had Zoom meetings, Clay’s been able to participate in everything. Where if it would’ve been a normal year where a kid like that comes in with a blown-out knee, he probably wouldn’t have been able to do one OTA. For him, he hasn’t really missed anything because of the circumstances we’re in with the pandemic and everything,” Barry said.

The Rams haven’t said whether Johnston will need to start the season on the PUP list or IR, but the fact that he remains on the active roster is a good sign for his availability this year. Barry doesn’t know exactly when Johnston will be 100% healthy, but the linebacker has been able to do everything in practice up to this point – another good sign for his health.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed. If we were to put the pads on tomorrow and have a training camp practice, I don’t know if he’d be 100% yet, but like I said, in everything we’ve been able to do so far with players to date, he’s been able to 100% participate, even in everything we’ve been able to do on the field. Hopefully he’ll just keep getting healthier and healthier and healthier,” Barry said.

If Johnston isn’t ready for the start of the season, one potential option is to stash him on the practice squad – though expecting him to slip through waivers would be a risk not worth taking for the Rams.

Barry likes that the NFL increased the size of practice squads, especially for young and injured players.

“The good thing, too, with the way they’ve changed the numbers, they’ve upped the practice squad numbers. So that’s going to help all young players, but a guy like Clay, absolutely,” Barry said.

Barry did clarify that he wasn’t saying Johnston will have a redshirt season in 2020, though.

“I’m not saying that at all, it’s just nice with them doing that, it’s going to help all developmental players, all young players, all guys that come in with a potential injury,” he said.

As for Barry’s evaluation of Johnston, he said he would’ve gone much earlier than the seventh round had he been healthy. Barry wouldn’t put a round on Johnston for a draft grade, but he made it clear that the young linebacker from Baylor slipped further than he should have due to injury.

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