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Panthers Defense Faces Big Test With Young Faces In Week Two
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- Panthers Defense Faces Big Test With Young Faces In Week Two
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
The Panthers defense is not the same unit that fans saw last week, and that change starts right now. Bobby Brown III is already ruled out with a back injury, leaving a huge gap in the middle. This forces the team to lean on a group of young players who have barely had time to learn the playbook. The front seven will look very different when they take the field against Atlanta this Sunday.
Cam Jackson Steps Into the Spotlight
Cam Jackson is the name to watch as he moves from the inactive list to the active roster. He was inactive last week, but he will have a helmet on Sunday to help the run defense. Head coach Dave Canales has high hopes for the rookie, noting his sheer size and physical presence. Canales called Jackson "ginormous" and described him as a "pocket pusher in terms of pass rush".
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The coach believes Jackson has the right length and strength to hold his ground against bigger offensive linemen. Canales said, "He is our biggest human on the team, and he's a guy that just continues to take the right steps being in this program". That is a bold statement for a rookie, but the numbers back up the size claim. Jackson is the largest player on the entire roster, and the coaching staff wants him to show what he has been working on.
Patrick Jones and the Physical Edge
Outside linebacker Patrick Jones II adds another layer of uncertainty to the mix after missing last week with a back injury. According to panthers.com, he is marked as questionable on the injury report because he practiced only in a limited capacity. If he plays, he brings a unique style that the coaching staff values highly. Canales noted that Jones "plays with violence, with great effort and strain".
At 6-foot-5 and around 260 pounds, Jones is built to disrupt plays in the backfield. The team is hoping his physical style can compensate for the lack of depth up front. However, the rotation of young players means there is little room for error. The defense must adapt quickly to the new personnel if they want to stop the run game of the Falcons.
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A Tough Road Ahead in Atlanta
The Panthers know they are facing a tough challenge with a depleted defensive line. They have to stop Bijan Robinson , who is one of the best running backs in the league. Canales admitted, "They got Bijan (Robinson), so we got to be ready for that as well". This game will be a true test for the young players stepping up.
TeRah Edwards and Lee Hunter are also part of this new look, having arrived via trade or as rookies. panthers.com reports that Edwards continues to learn the defense's language after being acquired via trade from the Chargers on cut day. The mix of second-year players and rookies means the unit is still finding its rhythm. But Canales remains optimistic about the process and the growth of his young players.
