James Bradberry

Panthers trying James Bradberry in shadow coverage

The Carolina Panthers have been experimenting with rookie cornerback James Bradberry in shadow coverage.

What It Means:

Bradberry followed wide receivers Demaryius Thomas in Week 1 and Stefon Diggs in Week 3, and had no one to shadow in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. "Whatever the coaching staff asks me to do, I am willing to do it," Bradberry said. "I just do whatever they tell me." If the second-round rookie follows Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones in Week 4, it could be a big day for Atlanta despite the strides Bradberry has made.

The Panthers' defense ranks eighth in schedule-adjusted Defensive Passing Net Expected Points per play going into Week 4. Our models project Jones for 90 receiving yards and 0.70 touchdowns on 7 catches.