Only one NFL cornerback is better than Panthers star Jaycee Horn in this stat

Jaycee Horn has been excellent this year.

Dec 22, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) on the sidelines in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Without Jaycee Horn, the usually reliable Carolina Panthers pass defense was in utter shambles on Sunday. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield passed for well over 300 yards and five touchdowns in a 48-14 win. Before that, they were allowing the 10th-fewest yards through the air. Horn's impact was sorely missed.

It's not as simple as Horn being the glue that held the secondary together, but he showed his value by being absent. Now, a new stat provides another angle on just how excellent the cornerback has truly been in 2024.

New stat shows dominance by Jaycee Horn

Among all NFL cornerbacks with at least 70 targets, just one has a better catch percentage allowed than Jaycee Horn. Of those 70+ targets, the Panthers cornerback has allowed a completion on just 50.7% of them. Only Derek Stingley Jr. is better at 46.7% this year.

Other notable cornerbacks that Horn is better than in this category are Christian Gonzalez, Tyrique Stevenson, Quinyon Mitchell, Terrion Arnold, Denzel Ward, and Joey Porter Jr. Patrick Surtain II, who is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, is not on the list, but he likely doesn't get targeted enough to qualify.

Horn has been a genuine lockdown corner. His stats against top-tier wide receivers are very good. He is reportedly interested in an extension, and the Panthers have a mutual interest in keeping the former first-round pick. His 2024 performance should drive his value up, but it should also convince the Panthers that there's no recourse but to extend him for a long time.

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