Carolina Panthers: Three keys to preseason game against Buffalo Bills

BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 09: Matt Barkley #5 of the Buffalo Bills warms up before their NFL game against the New York Jets at New Era Field on December 9, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 09: Matt Barkley #5 of the Buffalo Bills warms up before their NFL game against the New York Jets at New Era Field on December 9, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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Carolina Panthers Brian Burns
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: A video board displays an image of Brian Burns of Florida State after he was chosen #16 overall by the Carolina Panthers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Continue to get pressure from the defensive line

The biggest thing the Carolina Panthers need to do is continue the defensive pressure. They did a great job of getting to the quarterback last Thursday, and it needs to continue. In particular, some of the rookies did a nice job of making a statement and giving contributions to the pass rush.

For instance, Brian Burns had two sacks on the evening. Although not a rookie, Marquise Haynes had a great night as well. He had a sack. Jordan Kunasyzk also had a sack as well. The pass rush for the Carolina Panthers bullied the Chicago Bears offensive line. They really showed that they had depth at many positions, and that they could be a living nightmare for offensive lines. Now, they have to work on sustaining it, and the quest for sustainability continues on Friday.

I will be interested to see if Burns has a great game. Now, the Bills have film on him. They have some idea on how to block him, and what his tendencies are. This just goes not only for Burns but for the rest of the defensive line as well. They need to continue to generate pressure and force the quarterback to be uncomfortable in the pocket. If they can do that, it will be another successful evening. Force the Buffalo quarterbacks to make throws on the run, and cloud their vision. If Carolina can do that, I would consider that a great day on the gridiron.