Bruce Irvin hopes playing for the Carolina Panthers feels like Christmas
‘Tis the season for Bruce Irvin, who aims to ring in his Carolina Panthers career with a few sacks.
Since being selected as the fifteenth overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Bruce Irvin has brought his talents to four different teams. Working his way across the country, Irvin was initially selected by the Seattle Seahawks before spending time with the Oakland Raiders and NFC South divisional rival, Atlanta. In 2019, Irvin joins the Carolina Panthers as an established veteran with a knack for rushing the quarterback.
An apparent need for the Panthers, who fell considerably in the sack category during the 2018 season, general manager Marty Hurney has attempted to revamp the defensive front. In combination with coach Ron Rivera, the Panthers are expected to employ more 3-4 fronts next year and Irvin is just the type of athlete who can easily transition from defensive end to outside linebacker.
The move was further solidified when Carolina selected Florida State defensive end Brian Burns with their first-round pick this year. Another hybrid defensive player who adds youth and speed to what is expected to be one of the best fronts in all of football, raising the bar for a Panthers team known for featuring solid defense.
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Irvin recently shared his first impressions, including a comparison to the 2013 Seattle Seahawks, of his new team. Hoping to impact opposing quarterbacks with pressure, Irvin believes Carolina is headed in the right direction.
"“You know when you wake up on Christmas as a kid? That’s how it feels. It’s so hard to get sacks. When you’re consistent and you’re able to get them all the time, that means something. You can keep a job that way.”"
Keeping a position for the past seven seasons, Irvin hopes he can continue to do so with the Panthers. If those returning and other newcomers, including Burns, follow suit then the sky is the limit for this unit.
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They may not be the ‘Legion of Boom’ yet, but the foundation appears to be in place for an impressive season on the horizon.