Panthers rookie’s thoughtful take on NFL debut, blowout loss to Jaguars
Nic Scourton isn’t used to taking a backseat on the football field. The Panthers’ second-round pick made an instant impact at both Purdue and Texas A&M during his three-year college career.
But in his first NFL regular-season game, Scourton was simply a role player. He played just 18 of the Panthers’ 66 defensive snaps on Sunday in a 26-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also worked a handful of special teams snaps.
“I’m gonna be honest, you know, it’s a little different,” Scourton said about his limited workload in Week 1. “I’ve been playing a lot of football, since I got to college and things like that. So, I mean, obviously, I guess (I’m) kind of taking it for what it is. I’m not there yet, but I’m on my way.”
Scourton’s patience shows a maturity beyond his years.
The rookie, who just turned 21 last month, is a few weeks removed from dealing with a collapsed lung. He has added perspective as he looks to improve his role within the Carolina defense.
And right now, he’s just trying to make the most of his opportunities.
“The reps I get on special teams, making the most of those,” Scourton said. “Reps on defense, going out there and making the most of those opportunities, so I can get on the field more and that’s really just what it is. I gotta get (outside linebackers coach AC Carter) to trust me more and (head coach Dave Canales) to trust me more.”
The Panthers trusted in Scourton’s upside this offseason. The team had a first-round grade on Scourton, and GM Dan Morgan liked him so much that the Panthers traded up for him in the second round of the draft.
That was a big moment for Scourton and his family, but few things top an NFL debut. Scourton’s father and stepmother were at EverBank Field on Sunday to support the young pass rusher.
“It’s very special,” Scourton told The Observer. “You don’t get many opportunities in the NFL. The NFL isn’t promised. So, my parents being there for my rookie debut was special to me and it meant so much to me.”
The results of Scourton’s first appearance weren’t particularly glowing. The Panthers, in general, had a rough Week 1.
The defense gave up 200 rushing yards and six scoring drives. Carolina’s offense was limited to 10 points and turned the ball over three times.
Still, Scourton is able to keep a fairly encouraging perspective on the loss.
“Every day that you’re in the NFL is special, and you should appreciate it,” Scourton said. “We’ve got 17 games in a season. I’m not gonna let one game define how I feel about the team or myself or my confidence.”
Scourton isn’t going to lose his smile over a Week 1 letdown. He’s got four-year rookie contract and a front office that believes in his potential. While veteran outside linebackers, D.J. Wonnum and Pat Jones, are higher in the depth chart pecking order, Scourton could get more opportunities to play as the season rolls along.
Canales is pushing the staff to be more development- minded. And that could mean that Scourton’s role will increase in short order.
“I really believe that it is so valuable for those guys to be out there,” Canales said Monday. “Are they going to be perfect? No. Will every rep that they take be valuable and beneficial for their future? Yes. And so I would love for those guys to get opportunities out there so we can see what we have. And also just knowing that it’s a long season and a lot of people are going to play at different times. It’ll help us going forward.”
And as far as the blowout loss goes, Scourton isn’t dwelling on the past. He’s already moving on to Week 2’s matchup against Arizona.
Said Scourton: “I got the first week and my first time out of the way, and I’m just excited to move on to this week and approach it a little different.”
