David Newton, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Cason benching another signal Panthers secondary has to be addressed

CHARLOTTE, N.C.  -- Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera insisted cornerback Antoine Cason wasn’t benched late in the first half of Thursday night’s 28-10 loss to New Orleans.

 The snap counts don’t support that.

Cason didn’t return after being called for pass interference against Robert Meachem in the end zone with six seconds left in the half. He was replaced by Melvin White, who played the rest of the game and finished with 41 snaps.

Rivera called that two-minute drive in which Cason also gave up receptions of 17 and nine yards to wide receiver Kenny Stills as the turning point in the game. The Saints scored with three seconds left for a 14-0 halftime lead.

“Antoine Cason was in good position [on the pass interference],’’ Rivera said. “You would like him to get his head around a little sooner and make the play on the ball. Unfortunately, we didn’t.’’

The Panthers are looking for answers in the secondary that has been victimized all season. White was benched in Week 4 after losing containment on former Panther Steve Smith. He was replaced by Josh Norman, but got the job back for a few games after Norman suffered a concussion.

White didn’t play a defensive snap on Sunday against Seattle.

For Cason, according to Pro Football Focus, it was the ninth time in nine games the former first-round draft pick had a negative grade in pass coverage.

“As we went through the game and got into the third quarter, there were some things the coaches wanted to try and do a little different and get Melvin White on the field, too,’’ Rivera said in explaining why Cason didn’t return.

Cason wasn’t the only defensive back who was pulled after giving up a big play. Rookie cornerback Tre Boston, starting for the injured Thomas DeCoud (hamstring), was replaced by Robert Lester in the fourth quarter after tight end Jimmy Graham caught a 27-yard pass over the middle.

Solving Carolina’s secondary woes should be a major focus as the Panthers (3-5-1) get a lengthy break before a Nov. 10 Monday night game at Philadelphia.

The possible return of rookie Bene’ Benwikere at the nickel cornerback position should help some.

^ Back to Top ^