The Panthers defense changed a lot of things this offseason. Ron Rivera is calling the plays, some 3-4 fronts have been thrown in and they’ve added a few difference-makers up front and on the back end. Perhaps the biggest change though has been the improvement of their two starting outside cornerbacks.
Under the direction of new defensive backs coach Perry Fewell, James Bradberry and Donte Jackson have both pushed their games to the next level. According to Pro Football Focus, both of them rank among the top 25 cornerbacks in the NFL this season.
Jackson had some trouble against Chris Godwin Week 2 and has missed two games with a groin injury, but he’s been good enough to earn the No. 14 spot on their list.
As for Bradberry, he had problems covering DJ Chark (along with everyone else) but his coverage has mostly been tight and for awhile he had the lowest passer rating when targeted in the league. Bradberry is currently ranked No. 19 at his position by PFF.
Together, they’ve combined for 35 total tackles, eight passes defensed and three interceptions.
Carolina doesn’t have much depth to spare at cornerback, so it’s critical these two keep it up.
