Did Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn get snubbed from the 2023 Pro Bowl Games? Yeah, probably.
But that doesn’t change how interim head coach Steve Wilks sees him.
On Wednesday night, the second-year defender was named a third alternate for the upcoming all-star festivities—which seems like a bit of a slight considering the phenomenal breakout campaign he’s currently on. So when asked if he feels like Horn was robbed of an actual selection, Wilks spoke to the value the 23-year-old has brought and will continue to bring to the team.
“You know, I don’t really get into the numbers,” Wilks said after Thursday’s practice. “Sometimes, this whole thing is about popularity. I’m all about results and I think, for us, he’s doing a good job. He’s still learning, he’s still growing. Still got a lot of football left in his career. And the one thing that I love about him—he’s all about the details and trying to perfect his craft each and every day.”
Thus far, that attention to detail has helped Horn led the league in a handful of major categories. Amongst all starting cornerbacks, he’s allowed the fewest receptions (23), the fewest yards (216) and the lowest passer rating (39.4). Oh, and he hasn’t allowed a single touchdown either.
Maybe Horn will eventually join his teammate Brian Burns in Las Vegas come February. But, for now, he’s one the fans and the league certainly missed on.
