Carolina Panthers boost pass rush, add defensive end Bruce Irvin
Carolina Panthers add former first-round pick, Bruce Irvin to defense.
The Carolina Panthers totaled just 35 sacks last season, finishing near the bottom of the league. A year prior the defense reached opposing quarterbacks 50 times, good for third overall. The drop off was apparent in 2018 and general manager Marty Hurney has committed to improving the pass rush next season.
Julius Peppers opting to retire after a Hall of Fame career and 17 years in the league left a vacancy along the defensive line. Considering he was originally brought back to compete on third downs but ended up having to start and register many more snaps than originally anticipated, his production needs to be replaced.
While no one is capable of immediately filling such a void, Hurney and the Panthers are likely targeting a defensive end for their first-round selection in this year’s NFL Draft and recently signed Bruce Irvin to a one-year contract.
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A former first-round (No. 15 overall) pick himself, Irvin has accumulated over 40 career sacks including six and one-half as a member of both the Oakland Raiders and Atlanta Falcons last season.
Originally drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, Irvin has recorded at least five sacks in all but one of his seven NFL seasons. At 31 years old, Irvin may not be the influx of youth Carolina hoped to add into an aging roster but his one-year deal gives him an opportunity to prove he can still play at a high level.
Starting the final three games last year for the Falcons, Irvin tallied two and one-half sacks, seven total tackles and six hits on opposing quarterbacks. If able to continue at this pace, he would be a welcome addition to the Panthers front four.
Joining Mario Addison, Efe Obada, Marquis Haynes and Bryan Cox Jr., expect Irvin to compete for consistent playing time. If defensive coordinator Eric Washington continues to employ a rotation up front, each should be heavily involved.
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Including a potential high draft choice, the competition should be fun to watch this offseason.