When it comes to the Carolina Panthers’ receiving corps, the words “elite” may not be the first that spring to mind. However, Panthers fans should take heart in knowing that they’ve got a couple of guys who can really haul it in when the spotlight’s on. In a league where drop rates can make or break a game, Jalen Coker and Adam Thielen are two names that stand out for their ability to make catches against the odds.
Last year, the Panthers’ wide receivers didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory when it came to catching the ball, and the buzz around town was that young quarterback Bryce Young needed a go-to guy. But here’s where the numbers tell a different story, one that hasn’t been shouted from the rooftops yet. According to some eye-opening statistics, Coker and Thielen already provide some solid targets for Young.
Let’s talk catch rate over expected. It’s a stat that gets into the nitty-gritty of receiver performance, evaluating how often players reel in passes that seem destined for the turf.
And in this metric, Coker and Thielen are leading the pack. Thielen comes in tied for first place in the entire NFL alongside none other than Devonta Smith, catching an impressive 12.4% more passes than expected.
Right on his heels is Coker at 11.4%.
Now, pause for a second and consider that these numbers put Coker and Thielen ahead of some of the NFL’s most acclaimed receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, AJ Brown, Terry McLaurin, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase. And let’s not forget other star-studded names missing from this list, such as Garrett Wilson, Justin Jefferson, and Davante Adams.
So, what does this mean for Bryce Young? He may not have a household name in his huddle, but with Coker and Thielen out there, he’s throwing to a pair of sure-handed pass-catchers. Both are savvy players who, despite their underdog undrafted free agent origins, give Young a comforting assurance: if the ball’s catchable, it’s theirs for the taking.
In a league driven by margins, having reliable targets like Coker and Thielen could be just the edge the Panthers need to surprise opponents this season. While the big plays and flashy names often steal headlines, it’s this kind of dependable, gritty performance that can ultimately elevate a team. So, for Carolina, the plan shouldn’t just be about chasing new stars but recognizing and capitalizing on the quiet dependability that their current roster offers.
