4 things we learned from Panthers’ stunning Week 3 victory
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers can generate pressure
As it turns out, the Carolina Panthers can get some pressure from their defensive front after all.
This was an obvious area of concern for the team heading into Week 3. Their struggles getting into the opposition’s backfield over the first two games has been there for all to see. But Sunday’s showing was a complete turnaround in fortunes for the group.
Defensive coordinator Phil Snow may have gotten some things wrong during his baptism of fire to play-calling in the NFL. However, the experienced figure deserves credit for getting the most out of his defensive front by playing to their strengths.
They were able to generate their first two sacks of the season and were a constant threat to rookie quarterback Justin Herbert. The three turnovers secured early on came from an ability to move the pocket that hasn’t been seen at any stage during the campaign before Week 3.
Brian Burns was absolutely sensational once again and is staking his claim for a possible breakout season with a more refined game that can make an impact on any given down. Rookie defensive tackle Derrick Brown also raised his production considerably to further aid the Panthers’ cause.
Roleplayers such as Stephen Weatherly, Zach Kerr, and Marquis Haynes played their part, and although Yetur Gross-Matos gave away what could have been a costly penalty in the fourth quarter, the defense dug deep to give them a priceless victory.