5 things to watch as Panthers take on Giants in Germany

The Panthers could get possibly two assists in the secondary this weekend. SafetyJordan Fuller is on track to return after recovering from a hamstring injury suffered in Week 3. His return would give the Panthers back a starter on the backend, who had 15 tackles before his injury.

Another help for the Panthers defensive backs this weekend? The lack of Darius Slayton. The Giants wide receiver did not travel to Germany, as he remains in concussion protocol. Slayton was the second leading receiver behind Malik Nabers. Wan’Dale Robinson is third in receiving, with 51 receptions for 343 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero took stock of both Nabers and Robinson earlier this week, pointing them out as two to watch.

“I got a lot of respect for these receivers Nabers, Slayton and then obviously, No. 17 (Robinson) when he’s inside as well,” Evero said. “They got good skill players, and we know that they’re explosive and have the ability to stretch the field.”

Of further help to the Panthers? According to Next Gen Stats, Carolina’s outside corner duo of Jaycee Horn (9, T-4th) and Michael Jackson (7, T-13th) both rank top 15 in passes defended this season. Furthermore, the Panthers have utilized a zone blitz at the 5th-highest rate in the NFL this season. Daniel Jones has recorded a 75.3 passer rating against zone blitzes this season, 10th-lowest in the NFL.