Tag: Donte Jackson

Panthers 2020 pass rush, secondary get average rankings from PFF

The Carolina Panthers were supposed to have the worst defense in the NFL this season

The Carolina Panthers were supposed to have the worst defense in the NFL this season. While there’s obviously a lot of room to improve, this unit was far from the bottom of the league defensively. One huge reason they performed better than expected was a surprisingly-respectable marriage between the pass rush up front and the group’s coverage on the back end – especially late in the season.

The traditional numbers can be deceiving. Carolina only averaged 1.8 sacks per game in 2020, but the pass rush was better than that suggests. According to Pro Football Focus, the Panthers’ pass rush ranked No. 17 in the NFL this season, led by a surge from second-year defensive end Brian Burns.

“Brian Burns has some freakish athletic tools off the edge, and he’s already developing into one of the best speed rushers in the league. He raised his pass-rushing grade from 68.7 as a rookie to 86.9 this past season. Rookies Derrick Brown and Yetur Gross-Matos both flashed promise at various points, as well.”

This defensive line looks like the team’s strongest unit on paper and considering the youth involved it should only improve with time.

Carolina also covered relatively well considering the injuries and inexperience they had to contend with. As it happens, PFF also ranked the Panthers secondary No. 17 in the league, boosted by a strong showing defending the slot receiver position.

“The Panthers rank a lot higher here than expected, largely because of their slot coverage. Carolina’s secondary ranks fourth in the NFL in slot coverage grade, and the team’s defensive backs racked up the second-most passing stops in the slot (26).”

Re-signing Corn Elder seems like an easy way for general manager Scott Fitterer to keep that trend going. He’ll have to add reinforcements in the draft for this group to take the next step, though.

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Carolina Panthers: The top 5 candidates to get contract extensions in 2021

Now, let’s take a look at a few who deserve contract extensions.

The Carolina Panthers have a ton of tough choices to make this offseason and that’s after they decide on a new general manager.

Yesterday, we identified four players who are most likely to be cut for cap savings. Now, let’s take a look at a few who deserve contract extensions.

Panthers rookie CB Troy Pride Jr. ‘doubtful’ for Week 16 game vs. Washington

On top of a tough loss, the Panthers suffered a couple of injuries on Saturday night in Green Bay

On top of a tough loss, the Panthers suffered a couple of injuries on Saturday night in Green Bay. Rookie defensive tackle Bravvion Roy had to leave the game at one point due to a knee issue. He later returned to the field though and helped Carolina’s frount four to a superb performance.

The team’s fourth-round pick Troy Pride Jr. was not as fortunate, though. Pride was getting picked on early and often by Aaron Rodgers and then suffered a hip/groin injury. He was listed as doubtful to return and he never got back on the field. It sounds like at least a multiple-week kind of problem. According to Joe Person at the Athletic, Pride is already considered doubtful for next week’s game against Washington.

Among the rookies who have seen significant playing time, Pride has struggled the most. In coverage, he’s allowed opponents to average 14.6 yards per completion, score two touchdowns and post a 118.3 passer rating when he’s the primary defender in coverage. Pride has also missed five tackles (10.6%).

At least the Panthers have one quality cornerback on their roster. Coach Matt Rhule told the media today that Donte Jackson had the best game he’s seen from him yet.

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Panthers CB Donte Jackson questions officiating in loss to Broncos

Jackson performed well, tallying thee tackles and two passes defensed. 

Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson returned to the lineup yesterday after missing the previous few games with the toe injury that’s bothered him for most of the 2020 season. Jackson performed well, tallying thee tackles and two passes defensed.

Unfortunately, Carolina’s other defensive backs didn’t play so great. Aside from free safety Tre Boston, the Panthers secondary struggled to contain the Broncos’ receivers, especially in the second half. In the end, Denver quarterback Drew Lock threw a career-high four touchdown passes and posted a stellar 149.5 passer rating. When Jackson was asked after the game about what Lock did to give the defense trouble, Jackson instead focused on the officiating.

“The ref called some good calls for them on third down, basically. All their drives were stopped, but they got calls on third down that helped them extend plays. He did a good job of just finding guys who were open. I don’t think it was really nothing they did. It was really just us. So we just have to execute better.”

Jackson has it about half-right, here. Shawn Hochuli’s crew made some questionable, ticky-tack kind of calls against the Panthers defense, especially the roughing the passer penalty against Brian Burns and the pass interference on rookie cornerback Troy Pride.

That said, this young team has to do a better job of avoiding mistakes that could result in a flag. There are always going to be poorly-officiated games during the course of a season, but penalties have been an issue for this team all year. Only five teams have drawn more flags in 2020.

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Panthers Week 14 injury report: Christian McCaffrey, 2 others limited Wednesday

Here is your first look at the team’s Week 14 injury report.

The Panthers may or may not be getting their star running back Christian McCaffrey back this week when they face his hometown Broncos. McCaffrey was limited at practice today, as were two others.

Here is your first look at the team’s Week 14 injury report.

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
RB Christian McCaffrey Shoulder/Thigh Limited
CB Donte Jackson Toe Limited
S Sam Franklin Ankle Limited
CB Rasul Douglas Not injury related DNP
G Dennis Daley Concussion DNP
DE Marquis Haynes Illness DNP
DE Efe Obada Knee Full

Coach Matt Rhule told the media after practice that McCaffrey tweaked his thigh during the bye and is unsure if he’ll play this week. He did sound positive that Jackson will return to the lineup, though.

In addition to these names, the following players did not practice as they are on the reserve/COVID-19 list: wide receivers Curtis Samuel and D.J. Moore, linebacker Shaq Thompson and defensive linemen Zach Kerr, Derrick Brown and Yetur Gross-Matos.

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4 Panthers players with the most to prove the last 4 games of 2020

Here are the four Carolina players who have the most to prove over these last four games of the 2020 season.

The Carolina Panthers are finally on their bye week. At 4-8, they’re out of the playoff picture and have to start thinking about next season. Certain individuals will be under a lot of pressure during this last month to show improvement and secure their future with the franchise. We could see some major roster changes this offseason depending on how things go in December.

Here are the four Carolina players who have the most to prove over the last four games of the 2020 season.

Panthers Week 12 inactives: 2 offensive linemen out vs. Vikings

Here is the full list of Carolina players who won’t be available for today’s game.

The Carolina Panthers and the Minnesota Vikings will kick off their Week 12 matchup in about an hour and a half.

Here is the full list of Carolina players who won’t be available for today’s game.

RB Christian McCaffrey
CB Donte Jackson
G Dennis Daley
OT Greg Little
S Sam Franklin
QB Will Grier

McCaffrey is missing his third-straight game with an AC joint problem in his shoulder. Meanwhile, Jackson is still dealing with the toe injury he suffered Week 1. Both will likely return after the bye week.

As for the offensive linemen, Daley is in the concussion protocol after a head injury against the Lions. Starting left tackle Russell Okung was listed as questionable but he’s returning to the lineup for the first time since Week 7. Greg Little is apparently a healthy scratch.

Here is the inactives list for Minnesota.

WR K.J. Osborn
S Curtis Riley
CB Dylan Mabin
LS Austin Cutting
G Ezra Cleveland
TE Irv Smith Jr.
DE Jordan Brailford

He’s not listed here, but wide receiver Adam Thielen is also out due to being on his team’s reserve/COVID-19 list, which is a huge blow for the Vikings’ offense. He leads the NFL with 11 touchdown catches this season.

Check back later for highlights and analysis after the game.

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Panthers Week 12 injury report: Russell Okung, 6 others questionable

Here is the updated Week 12 injury report.

The Panthers have been missing key players all season due to injuries and COVID-19. This week, a few important pieces on offense are questionable, but at least their starting quarterback is good to go.

Here is the team’s complete Week 12 injury report.

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
QB Teddy Bridgewater Knee Full Full Full –
RB Christian McCaffrey Shoulder Limited Limited Limited Questionable
CB Donte Jackson Toe DNP DNP DNP Doubtful
OT Russell Okung Calf Limited Limited Limited Questionable
G John Miller Knee/ankle Limited Limited Limited Questionable
G Dennis Daley Concussion DNP DNP DNP Out
DE Marquis Haynes Shoulder Full Full Full Questionable
LB Tahir Whitehead Ribs Full Full Full Questionable
WR D.J. Moore Shoulder Full Full Full –
S Sam Franklin Ankle Full Limited Limited Questionable
FB Alex Armah Ankle Full Full Full –
WR Brandon Zylstra Shoulder – Full Full Questionable

While Okung and McCaffrey are traveling with the team to Minnesota, coach Matt Rhule sounds pessimistic that either will play.

Last week Jackson sat out while rookies Troy Pride Jr. and Stantley-Thomas Oliver split his reps. Look for a similar arrangement if he’s ruled out.

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Panthers G Dennis Daley, CB Donte Jackson DNP for Thanksgiving practice

Here is the updated Week 12 injury report.

The Panthers appear to be getting a full week of practice from Teddy Bridgewater after he missed last week’s matchup with the Lions. He was not limited at practice for the second straight day.

Here is the updated Week 12 injury report.

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
QB Teddy Bridgewater Knee Full Full
RB Christian McCaffrey Shoulder Limited Limited
CB Donte Jackson Toe DNP DNP
OT Russell Okung Calf Limited Limited
G John Miller Knee/ankle Limited Limited
G Dennis Daley Concussion DNP DNP
DE Marquis Haynes Shoulder Full Full
LB Tahir Whitehead Ribs Full Full
WR D.J. Moore Shoulder Full Full
S Sam Franklin Ankle Full Limited
FB Alex Armah Ankle Full Full
WR Brandon Zylstra Shoulder – Full

It appears cornerback Donte Jackson and offensive lineman Dennis Daley are on their way to sitting out this week. Jackson has a lingering toe injury and Daley suffered a concussion against Detroit.

While McCaffrey hasn’t been ruled out yet, all indications are that he won’t play again this week. Most likely, he’ll return to the lineup after the bye.

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone here at Panthers Wire.

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Panthers Week 11 injury designations: Christian McCaffrey OUT, Teddy Bridgewater Questionable

The Detroit Lions (4-5) Week 11 opponent, the Carolina Panthers (3-7), have released their injury designations ahead of Sunday’s game.

The Detroit Lions (4-5) Week 11 opponent, the Carolina Panthers (3-7), have released their injury designations ahead of Sunday’s game. The Panthers will be without All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, while seven other starters are listed Doubtful/Questionable, including quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

Here’s a look at the Panther’s full injury designations list.

Injury status

Player Position Injury Designation
Teddy Bridgewater QB (starter) MCL Questionable
Christian McCaffrey RB (starter) Shoulder OUT
Mike Davis RB Thumb No Designation
Russell Okung LT (starter) Calf Doubtful
John Miller RG (starter) Knee/Ankle Doubtful
Chris Manhertz TE Shoulder Questionable
Yetur Gross-Matos DE (starter) Shoulder Questionable
Marquis Haynes DE Shoulder Questionable
Tahir Whitehead LB (starter) Rib Questionable
Donte Jackson CB (starter) Toe Doubtful
Rasul Douglas CB (starter) Ankle Questionable
Sam Franklin S Ankle Questionable

McCaffrey being out is obviously a huge loss and something most have been anticipating all week. He will be replaced in the starting lineup by Mike Davis, who was dealing with a thumb injury at the beginning of the week but does not carry an injury designation into this game.

Bridgewater is the biggest question mark surrounding this team. He did next to nothing on Wednesday and Thursday, but got in some work on Friday, leading to coach Matt Rhule calling him a game-time decision. Our brother site Panthers Wire is less optimistic, saying that their “best guess is that Bridgewater’s limited participation this week is a smokescreen and we will be seeing either P.J. Walker or Will Grier under center.” Rhule declined to say who would start if Bridgewater was unable.

Okung and Miller being listed as doubtful is also an underrated blow to this offense, as it’s not totally clear who will replace them in the starting lineup. Dennis Daley, Greg Little, and Trent Scott have all got shots at left tackle, while Daley or Michael Schofield could be in the mix at right guard. Any which way, losing their top two offensive linemen could be problematic.

On defense, most of the players listed above are expected to play, except for starting corner Donte Jackson, who will likely be replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Troy Pride Jr. a fourth-round pick out of Notre Dame. Like most rookie corners, Pride has struggled this season, potentially creating an opportunity for the Lions, despite their banged-up receiving corps.