The Panthers got some unexpectedly sharp performances from several role players in Sunday’s 31-21 win over the Cardinals. The most important one was the one Greg Little put in at left tackle in place of the injured veteran Russell Okung.
Last week, Little rotated with Trent Scott, who outplayed him and got a lot more snaps. Against Arizona it was a totally different story, though. Little not only started in Okung’s place, he was on the field for 55 offensive snaps, 71% of the team’s total. Meanwhile, Scott played just 22 (29%). It was a case of the Panthers sticking with what was working, because Little balled out against the Cardinals.
Today, coach Matt Rhule commended Little for his performance, saying he stepped up and it should give him “elite confidence” going forward.
Rhule has a lot of praise for LT Greg Little, who started in place of Russell Okung and played the majority of snaps vs. AZ. “Greg Little, his team needed him and he stepped up and played well. … That should give him elite confidence.” #Panthers
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) October 5, 2020
Seeing is believing.
Watch Little go out and bully-ball a defender half his size on this screen pass to Robby Anderson.
Check out Greg Little's (310 lbs) block on safety Deionte Thompson (194 lbs) on the screen pic.twitter.com/1U2x8NuM2a
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) October 5, 2020
Little was also stout in pass protection, helping contain Arizona’s star outside linebacker Chandler Jones to just one quarterback hit.
It’s only one game, but a great sign nonetheless for Little’s development. Given Okung’s contract, health and history of injuries, Little should still be the team’s long-term plan at left tackle.
