The Carolina Panthers are heading into their biggest game of not only this season, but of this decade so far, when they clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a game with significant divisional implications. Whoever wins this game will control their destiny in the NFC South.
With both teams essentially fighting for their postseason lives, the game will have a playoff feel. Star players and unsung heroes can either cement their legacies or make a name for themselves by performing under the highest pressure.
For the Panthers, one unheralded, undrafted free agent wide receiver could make a massive difference in whether the Panthers win or lose the game.
More Consistency
Jalen Coker has not had an easy journey to the NFL. He was undrafted in 2024 out of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. The Panthers signed him, and last season he made a name for himself, posting 32 receptions for 478 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games. Coker was poised to build on his promising rookie campaign this season, but a quad injury sidelined him until Week 7.
Now, Coker is getting back into the swing of things and could play a significant role in the Panthers’ winning a division title.
Darin Gantt and Kassidy Hill of Panthers.com wrote about in their December 18 article how Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik praised Coker’s consistency since returning from injury.
“He’s just the model of consistency right now,” Idzik said Thursday. “He’s just doing a great job of, versus zone, versus man after the catch, someone you can rely on. So for us, it’s just another puzzle piece where you can put him in different spots, and he knows what to do. And that comes with, really, a lot of investment in his first year.”
Coker has scored touchdowns in the last two games and could be poised to be a top target against the Buccaneers.
Larger Role
Over the last three games, Panthers’ standout rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has seen just 13 targets for five receptions, 103 yards, and two touchdowns. To fill the void in the lack of production, Jalen Coker could step up.
Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer wrote in his December 18 article about Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik discussing McMillan’s drop in production and getting more players like Coker better looks in the offense.
“We’ve just got to continue to put him in the best spots to execute,” Idzik said about McMillan. “And when those moments come up, when the look is right, we’ve got to cash in. So, there’s a couple of those (opportunities) that were just near-misses. But at the same time, as coaches, we put an onus on, ‘Okay, what are the best looks to get this guy involved and get our best players — whether it’s TMac, our running backs, really Jalen, all those guys, all of playmakers on the offense — what are our best chances to get them the ball early? Get them in a rhythm?’ And then as the game progress, continue to find those opportunities.”
The Panthers are facing their most pivotal game this year, and players like Jalen Coker could be the difference between the Panthers making the playoffs and being on the outside looking in.
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