The Carolina Panthers will look to get back on track when they play their division rivals, the Atlanta Falcons. After a disappointing 0-2 start, the Panthers will look to shake up what they’ve been doing so far, and one of the ways they’ll look to shake things up is with rookie outside linebacker Nic Scourton.
Scourton is the Panthers’ second-round pick out of Texas A&M, and so far this season, Scourton’s snaps have been limited. He has just 40 snaps over his first two games, with nine being on special teams.
Now, a hamstring injury to outside linebacker Patrick Jones II could open the door for Scourton to score more playing time on defense finally.
Scourton Ready to Do More
Nic Scourton knows that he has a lot to learn as a rookie, and he needs to pay his dues before getting more chances on defense. However, if the situation arises, Scourton is ready for more playing time right now.
Kassidy Hill of Panthers.com wrote about Scourton in her September 18 article and his preparation for a possible expanded role.
“This is my first time doing this, and I’m just trying to figure out what works best for me, what’s the best way to attack the game, and you know I’m still figuring that out,” said Scourton.
Scourton then shared how Panthers’ veteran outside linebacker DJ Wonnum had been helping him prepare for more playing time.
“D.J., just taking me under his wing and just being there for me, you know, I mean, it’s stressful,” admitted Scourton. “Starter goes down, next man up, you know what I mean.”
Scourton is trying to soak up all the knowledge he can from just two weeks of regular-season football, but his football pedigree should allow him to put on a good showing for himself. Last year with the Aggies, Scourton was First-team All-SEC at linebacker.
If Scourton does well, he could find himself in the good graces of the Panthers‘ defensive coordinator, Ejiro Evero.
Evero Could Play Younger Players
Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has seemed receptive to the idea of giving the younger defenders more opportunities as the season progresses. Still, he hasn’t yet indicated when this could occur.
Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire wrote about Evero in his September 11 article, sharing his thoughts on a possible youth movement in Carolina.
“Well, I don’t wanna get too much into talking about who we’re gonna be playing. I think that’s a part of our competitive advantage,” Evero replied. “But the one thing I will reiterate is that we’re on board in terms of like, hey, the mandate is to develop everybody on our roster. That’s part of coaching in this league, and that’s a part of developing what type of program that we want. So that’s what we’re gonna do.”
Evero’s defensive unit currently ranks 22nd in the NFL in total defense, having given up an average of 335.5 yards per game so far, according to Fox Sports. Injecting youth into the rotation, such as Nic Scourton, could go a long way in revitalizing the Panthers’ struggling defense.
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