Panthers vs Bengals: Step UP or Step OUT; which players are hot and which are cold going into Week 3 Welcome back to the 2018 edition of Step UP or Step OUT Youth DJ Moore Jersey , a series on CSR that is intended to look at players who are playing well and highlight a few that need to step their game up. Think of it as a heat index for the Carolina Panthers; guys who are playing well are stepping up and those who aren’t need to improve their game or. . . step out.This week we’ll look at some guys that really popped off the screen during week two and need to maintain that intensity heading into our week three contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. The others mentioned, well. . . they need to play better or maybe just step out of the way and let someone else take over.Steppin’ UPChristian McCaffreyHeat Rating: A pizza roll, between two bagel bites, inside a pepperoni hot pocket.Through two weeks of the season, Christian “Deuce Deuce” McCaffrey has 234 yards from scrimmage, and has proven to be the most useful weapon Cam Newton has. More importantly, he has put to rest any kind of doubt in his toughness. This past week, the man steamrolled multiple defenders while fighting for first downs on more than one occasion, including pushing through the bear hug of a Falcons defensive line for a few extra clicks. It was impressive to see for a man his stature, and it’s only a taste of things to come.Cam Newton“Drip” level: Post Hurricane Florence humidity type drippin’Cam Newton was brilliant Sunday in a losing effort that was brought up through no fault of his own. He did take a couple of risky passes under pressure that were ill-advised and gladly didn’t end up as interceptions http://www.panthersauthorizedshops.com/authentic-taylor-moton-jersey , but by and large, his receiver corps needs to play better. Cam found most of his success over the middle, and turned in an elite level completion percentage of 71%, despite five drops, gaudy enough to make even the most discerning hater take notice. If the offensive line can do their best Hodor impression against the Bengals, there is no reason to believe that Cam won’t have another really good day.Chris Clark and Taylor MotonHeat Rating: The grilled cheese sandwich in the middle of your panini pressFor two guys not expected to have starting jobs as tackles in the NFL at the beginning of the preseason, this was an impressive outing for these bookends. Particular kudos go to Chris Clark for only allowing two pressures on less than a week of practice. Taylor Moton didn’t allow a single one, even while having to switch back to the right side, and if you ask me, he is currently the team MVP. Steppin’ OUTTorrey SmithCold Rating: The hands of an outdoor wedding ice sculptureWhile he did catch a touchdown pass on Sunday Daryl Williams Jersey , it doesn’t really make up for letting at least two passes slip straight through his hands earlier contributing to stalled drives. This has been a knock that has followed him his entire career, and it doesn’t look like the veteran has suddenly changed his ways. I expect that DJ Moore is going to start poaching some snaps from him sooner than later, or better yet, the added heat will bring out the best in him.Julius PeppersCold Rating: Currently frozen pot stickers that will soon unfreeze in my frying panWe have to remember that Julius is only currently heading into week three of the preseason, so at least this is going to be the dress rehearsal game, right? The future hall of famer’s impact has been extremely limited during the first two bouts of the year, and it’s time for him to wake up and step UP. Cameron Jordan seems to think a whole lot of him, and I know we all do as well, but if he’s going to continue his storied career, we need to start seeing something soon. Greg Van RotenCold Rating: Eh... more like a cold beverage that is starting to approach room temperatureI’ve got a lot of love for Greg Van Roten. He’s never given up on his dream Authentic Ian Thomas Jersey , and has finally earned a starting job as a left guard for the Carolina Panthers through his determination. That said, he still has a lot to learn technique-wise. He has a tendency to get flat footed and lean his midsection in toward the defender he is blocking sometimes. What that does is ruin his power base, and the moment it happens you usually seem him go flying backward straight toward Cam Newton. It happened twice against the Falcons, and Geno Atkins will be terrorizing the interior for the Bengals. Greg will really need to be on his game for the Panthers to have a shot.Panthers 2018 season opener countdown: 32 days to go We are 32 days away from the beginning of the Carolina Panthers 2018 season. That means today we take a closer look at cornerback Cole Luke.Cole Luke, CornerbackBioHeight: 5’11”Weight: 200 lbsAge: 23College: Notre DameNFL Experience: 2 yearsCole Luke was signed by the Panthers as an undrafted free agent last season and was inactive for the season opener against the 49ers before being placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. He has never appeared in a regular season game for the Panthers.Here is some information about his college career from the Panthers’ official website:Luke will have a chance to prove he belongs on the 53-man roster during training camp and the preseason, but after the team drafted Donte Jackson in the second round this year it’s unlikely he’ll find a spot on the depth chart. He could sneak onto the roster if he performs well enough or if he makes a big enough impact on special teams. If he’s unable to make the roster, there’s hope for him to make the practice squad if he has a solid preseason.