Carolina Panthers: Bruce Irvin finally ready to make debut for Panthers
The veteran should be a stable presence for the Carolina Panthers.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Bruce Irvin is set to make his season debut on Sunday as the Panthers take on the Houston Texans. It should be a great game, and Irvin’s return is just one of the many subplots in what should be an interesting game.
Irvin should take over the right outside linebacker position, and his experience will definitely be an asset to the defense. The Panthers defense has played well throughout the course of the season, and they will undoubtedly have their hands full against the Houston Texans offense that’s led by quarterback DeShaun Watson. Watson is both mobile and strong-armed.
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Unfortunately for the Panthers defense, they also have to contend with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He will undoubtedly be a huge part of the Carolina Panthers defensive game plan. It will be interesting to see if they double-cover him. That would be the smart thing to do as if you give him any room to work, he will burn you.
I don’t see Irvin making a huge statistical impact. What I do see is him being able to get the job done with things that aren’t measured by statistics. Filling in the proper gaps, making sure he reads the play correctly, and being an overall leader to the defense. Those are things I could see him doing on Sunday. The defense will be relied on heavily.
On the other hand, I could be completely wrong, he could end up being one of the statistical leaders on Sunday for Carolina. I’m not exactly sure how much he has left in the tank, but I believe he can still play at a high level.
He will undoubtedly have to get pressure on Watson Sunday. As the right outside linebacker, he should be able to have a couple of free shots at him. If he can at least create pressure to make Watson feel uncomfortable in the pocket, I would consider that a successful day. I’m just happy to see that he will be back on the field again. The Panthers brought him in as a veteran presence on the defensive side of football, and I feel like he can definitely contribute.