ESPN.com · Dec 11, 2015
Jerricho Cotchery is no Steve Smith, and that's fine with Panthers
Jerricho Cotchery completed a game-winning, 15-yard touchdown catch with 1:05 remaining in Sunday's 41-38 victory at New Orleans.CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- There was a collective moan among many that follow the Carolina Panthers when all-time leading receiver Steve Smith was released after the 2013 season. The moan became louder when 32-year-old Jerricho Cotchery was signed to help rebuild a unit on which none of the top four receivers returned.
Critics said Cotchery was nothing more than a No. 3 receiver, perhaps No. 4. Some said he was over the hill, too slow and couldn’t be a difference maker.
Cotchery heard them.
He ignored them.