Kansas City Chiefs vs. Arizona Cardinals: 5 Things To Watch For In Week 14

4. Larger Dose Of Jason Avant

Oct 12, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jason Avant (81) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals and the Panthers tie in overtime 37-37. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

As anticipated, Jason Avant didn’t bolt out of the gates in his Week 13 debut. Regardless of past ties, no one is going to learn the nuances of an offense within a week and change.

That being said, Smith started to build a rapport with his newest weapon throughout the second half, connecting on two of four targets for 30 yards.

Make no mistake, though, the bulk of Avant’s snaps will likely come against Jerraud Powers. And while he doesn’t boast a household name, the slot specialist isn’t to be overlooked, holding receivers to a respectable 60.3 catch percentage. Furthermore, Powers has three interceptions and four passes defensed to his name, while limiting opponents to two touchdowns.

Though Avant has only been with the team for two-plus weeks, he’s already, at the very least, the club’s second-most reliable receiver. He’s a crisp route-runner who’s well-versed in spotting cushions within zones, and he flaunts glue sticks for fingers.

With another week of preparation, look for him to become a more integral part of the offense throughout the first half.