UP
WR Kevin Norwood
3 receptions on 3 targets, 31 yards, 15-yard touchdown; 1 special teams tackle
All things being equal, CB Bené Benwikere is arguably the biggest riser coming out of Tennessee. But he’s guaranteed a roster spot. Norwood isn’t.
It appeared Norwood’s chance to grab one of the final receiver slots was all but finished when he took a big hit from Titans DB Marqueston Huff midway through the third quarter. But less than two minutes later, Norwood not only returned to the game. He was also back in the end zone for the first time since his senior season at Alabama.
“That’s toughness and that’s what you’re looking for,” coach Ron Rivera said. “You need a young guy that’s looking for an opportunity. When you go out and make plays like that, that’s great and then you take a big shot and come back to make a big play. That’s a big thing for us.”
LB Jeremy Cash
4 tackles; 1 special teams tackle
After totaling 3 tackles in 20 snaps during his pro debut in Baltimore, Cash was even more productive in Nashville. The former All-America safety looked like a fish out of water in OTAs, but three months and 16 added pounds later, Cash is beginning to show potential the Panthers saw.
“Back during the spring it was hard because of the position change, trying to put on weight and then going out there to try and make plays,” Cash said. “But I’ve been able to calm the waters down, be able to process things and go out there, have fun and make plays.”
Added Rivera:
“Jeremy Cash is really starting to come into his own as a rookie. I mean, he’s got a ways to go, but he’s one of those guys that seems to be around the ball, very active around the football. That’s what we’re looking for.”
RB Jalen ‘Scoot’ Simmons
1 carry, 3 yards; 1 reception, 6-yard touchdown
The Charlotte native and South Carolina State product flashed at times in Spartanburg. For example, this moment against a certain Pro Bowl LB:
“So many guys have stood out, but the key is standing out during game time. He’ll have to get a few more opportunities for us to really gauge him.”
Simmons only saw five snaps against the Titans, but he made the most of his first, grabbing a short scoring toss from QB Joe Webb. Simmons did, though, make a rookie mistake.
“I wish I would’ve kept the ball. Everybody teased me about that,” he said. “It’s out there on the field somewhere. I just dropped it, so I don’t know where it’s at.”