CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers are preparing to open the practice window this week for rookie running back…
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers are preparing to open the practice window this week to rookie running back Jonathan Brooks, the team’s second-round draft pick out of Texas.
streams tore the ACL in his knee last November while playing for the Longhorns and has not practiced with the Panthers since being drafted.
Brooks, 21, will likely be added to the 53-man roster in at least a few weeks, given his lack of practice time on the field. The Panthers will have 21 days to activate him to the roster once they open the practice window.
“He has explosive ability and a combination of size and speed, and his body control is really rare compared to what we’ve seen over the last couple of years,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said. “Really smooth (pass) catcher out of the backfield with ability to hit the home run. He has a natural patience in his running style, so he has a combination of many of the qualities you would hope for.
Of all the areas in which the Panthers (1-5) have struggled this season — and there are certainly many — running back is not one of them.
Chuba Hubbard has been excellent this season, having his fourth straight game with at least 90 yards rushing in Sunday’s 38-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Hubbard averaged over 5.8 yards per carry over the past five weeks and ran extremely hard.
Miles Sanders is the No. 2 guard.
As for Brooks’ place in the backfield mix, Canales said that’s something that will be determined later and will depend heavily on what Brooks shows in practice.
What works
Hubbard continues to generate tough yards, which has provided a big boost to the offense. And maybe Canales should lean on him even more. The Panthers were doing that on Sunday, but then they pulled away. Down eight, Hubbard responded by winning three first downs on four straight points. But Canales called for a pass and Andy Dalton’s throw was intercepted, leading to a game-clinching Falcons touchdown.
What needs help
Carolina’s defense is bad – historically bad. The Panthers have allowed 203 points in six games (33.8 points per game) this season, which is the ninth-worst total in the NFL in the Super Bowl era. Carolina has allowed 24 touchdowns – 12 rushing and 12 passing – this season and has allowed opponents to score touchdowns on 75 percent of their drives inside the 20.
It didn’t help defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s cause when the Panthers traded leading rusher Brian Burns and cornerback Donte Jackson in the offseason. And injuries to defensive end Derrick Brown, linebackers Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell and cornerback Dane Jackson caused problems, leaving the team with limited talent and little depth.
Store
Panthers rookie WR Xavier Legette had three catches for 23 yards and caught his second career touchdown pass against the Falcons, celebrating once again by pretending to ride a horse. Now the Panthers need him to be more consistent and put up bigger numbers as he progresses in his rookie season. Legette is still trying to figure out how to use his big body, but is starting to become a unique option on fade routes in the end zone due to his size.
Stock falling
Punt team. For the second time this season, Johnny Hekker had a punt partially blocked, and this one helped turn the tide as the Falcons were able to take over in Carolina territory, leading the score.
Injuries
The Panthers failed to get a sack on Sunday, with Jadeveon Clowney sidelined with a shoulder injury. He is listed as day-to-day, alongside right tackle Taylor Moton (triceps). The Panthers might still be a long way from having LB DJ Wonnum on the field. He’s been on IR all season.
Key number
200 – Rushing yards allowed to Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.
Next steps
The Panthers play consecutive away games, heading to Washington (4-2) then Denver (3-3).
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