In the wake of a tough 15-34 loss against the Titans, the Carolina Panthers find themselves digging for answers to turn around a disappointing season. But one potential bright spot has emerged – converted tight end Tyree Jackson. His performance against the Titans provided a tantalizing glimpse of unique skills that could make him an unexpected x-factor for the Panthers moving forward. Let’s take a deeper look at what Jackson brings to the table and why he’s captured the coaching staff’s attention.
Protecting the Football
Football games are often won and lost based on turnover margin, so Jackson’s ability to protect the football jumps off the page. Committing just one turnover against the Titans is remarkable for a quarterback with his lack of experience. The Panthers have struggled mightily with giveaways this season, so having a signal caller who can provide stable, turnover-free play could work wonders.
Jackson’s size and mobility allow him to evade sacks and move deftly in the pocket, while his tight end background shows in the secure way he holds the ball. He plays with a calm, steady demeanor, not panicking under pressure. These traits point to Jackson’s potential to maintain possession and give his playmakers chances to make things happen without sabotaging drives with costly turnovers.
Unique Physical Tools
You simply can’t teach Jackson’s rare combination of size and athleticism. At 6-foot-7, 249 pounds with acceleration and deep speed, he’s built like a titan yet moves like a gazelle. He flashes the ability to shed tacklers and rip off big gains with his legs, adding a dynamic running element. This gives the Panthers an extremely versatile weapon that can beat defenses with both his arm and legs.
Having a mobile quarterback opens up the playbook for an offensive coordinator. Jackson allows the Panthers to incorporate more bootlegs, rollouts, and designed QB runs into the game plan, which forces defenses to account for his scrambling ability. This adds another layer for opposing coordinators to scheme for and could give the Panthers an edge in keeping them off balance. Jackson’s physical tools are truly unique for the position.
Unlocking the Vertical Passing Game
During his first PML action under center, Jackson took several deep shots downfield. Though he didn’t connect, the willingness to test defenses over the top was apparent. At his size, Jackson can literally stand in the pocket and throw over defenders. His massive frame and cannon arm allow him to rip aggressive vertical passes outside the numbers.
Seeing Jackson’s eagerness to fling it deep had to excite the Panthers staff and skill players. It hints at confidence in his abilities and suggests he could unlock a more explosive passing game. The young wide receiver corps in particular would benefit from his aggressive approach. With further rapport and reps, Jackson-to-Mingo or Marshall deep balls could become a staple big-play combo. Uncorking his already impressive arm talent could be a game-changer.
A Power Rushing Dimension
While Jackson flashed prowess through the air, he also offered glimpses of being a potential powerhouse rusher. He has the size and strength of a linebacker yet can maneuver and accelerate like a tailback. Inside power runs and red zone rushing attempts are easy to envision given Jackson’s hulking frame. Having a true rushing threat at quarterback would enable the Panthers to lean into a versatile, run-first offensive identity.
Jackson’s rushing ability meshes perfectly with the Panthers’ personnel and scheme. They already boast a decent stable of running backs led by Chuba Hubbard and have invested heavily along the offensive line. A quarterback who enhances the ground game is a natural fit. The Panthers have had past success converting college signal callers into dynamic NFL rushers. Jackson could follow suit and thrive in this physical, downhill rushing offense if fully unleashed.
Not Without Growing Pains
However, it’s important to acknowledge Jackson’s flaws and need for further development. His lack of high-level experience at quarterback shows through at times. There were some inaccurate throws against the Titans along with decisions to tuck and run when keeping his eyes downfield may have been better. Repetition and coaching will be critical to smoothing out the rough edges.
There is also the question of how defensive coordinators will adjust once there is meaningful film on Jackson. The element of surprise from his first outing won’t exist moving forward. Opponents will scheme to account for his mobility and force him to win from the pocket. How he responds and continues developing against complex defenses will determine his future outlook.
For all his tantalizing tools, Jackson is far from a finished product and would undoubtedly endure growing pains if thrust into a starting role. But he presents enough upside to warrant a serious look in Carolina. The Panthers need to take advantage of the closing weeks to provide Jackson with quality game reps and get an even better feel for what he can bring to the quarterback position long-term.
Bottom Line
Given the situation with capital spent on rookie QB Bryce Young, it’s unlikely that Jackson will emerge as the franchise quarterback of the future in Carolina. But his standout performance against Tennessee was no fluke. He possesses a truly rare blend of size, speed, and playmaking ability that the Panthers must explore further. Unlocking Jackson’s strengths could energize an offense in need of explosiveness and new wrinkles. There will be bumps in the road, but his upside as a multidimensional weapon is simply too enticing to ignore. If deployed creatively, Jackson has the potential to become a devastating Swiss Army knife that opposing defenses must account for anytime he steps on the field. The Panthers may have uncovered a diamond in the rough, and Tyree Jackson could quickly go from emergency fill-in to essential x-factor.
