CHARLOTTE – It's overdramatic to call Kaelin Clay the key to a Panthers postseason run. But as the offensive production in the wake of the Kelvin Benjamin trade has proven, Carolina desperately needs someone to stretch defenses. And with Damiere Byrd joining Curtis Samuel on injured reserve this week, Clay is the lone speedster standing.
“It's no different than when Ted (Ginn) was here or when Byrd's on the field,” wideout Russell Shepard said Wednesday. “When you have speed as a defense, you have to acknowledge that and you have to protect yourself because those guys can change the game at any given moment.