4 Panthers players who need to step up at the Chargers in Week 3

Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT

Derrick Brown came into his rookie season with all the expectations of a high-end NFL Draft pick. The Carolina Panthers opted to take the defensive tackle at No. 7 overall ahead of Isaiah Simmons and he was expected to make a significant difference from the word go.

This has not been evident over the first two weeks of the campaign. Brown did show flashes of brilliance against the Las Vegas Raiders. But his performance at the Buccaneers was littered with poor production and two severe errors that cost the team dearly.

Brown gave up two penalties when the Panthers were set to get off the field on third down. This simply cannot happen at the next level and the onus will be on the former Auburn standout to make the necessary adjustments against a Chargers offensive line that boasts former Carolina star, Trai Turner.

Not having Kawann Short alongside him on the interior is something that clearly impacted his ability to produce. The Bucs were able to focus more of their attention on stopping Brown and although he saw double-teams in college on almost every down, he found it extremely difficult to cope with bigger and more imposing offensive linemen at the next level.

There is nothing to suggest that Brown cannot turn things around. He is clearly determined to do so if his comments during media availability this week were any indication. But the rookie needs his Pro Bowler veteran back sooner rather than later.