Carolina Panthers: Players to watch on defense in Week 4

Julius Peppers

If defenses want to slow down quarterbacks, there is no better way than limiting their time to make the throw. If the pass rush can speed up a quarterback’s clock they can force him to throw the ball before he wants to, which can result in incompletes or even interceptions.

While Brady did throw for five touchdowns against the Houston Texans in Week 3, they did a good job of putting pressure on him. The Texans finished the game with five sacks and nine QB hits on Brady but more importantly kept the score close throughout.

The Panthers have done a good job of getting to the quarterback and this must continue in Week 4. This means pressure will be on Julius Peppers, the Panthers’ franchise leader in sacks. The veteran pass rusher has had an immediate impact and leads the team this year with 2.5 sacks.

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This is a game that seems tailor-made for Peppers to have a big game and really disrupt the flow of the Patriots’ offense.