4 Broncos players the Panthers should be most concerned about
By Dean Jones
Bradley Chubb – OLB
Bradley Chubb has clearly put the injury problems that restricted him to just four games last season firmly behind him. The prolific pass-rusher has been a constant menace in opposing backfields despite not having the benefit of All-Pro Von Miller on the opposite side of the field after an ankle injury resulted in an early trip to IR.
The No. 5 overall pick in 2018 is no stranger to the area after playing his college football at North Carolina and has recorded 7.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits, nine tackles for loss, and 29 pressures this season. Chubb possesses tremendous explosiveness off the edge and he is tough to stop if things go his way in the early going.
Fortunately, the Carolina Panthers have two bookend tackles who are playing at a high level.
Pro Bowl veteran Russell Okung has performed well above expectations when healthy and Taylor Moton is arguably the NFL’s best right tackle after another standout campaign that is sure to come with a big payday next spring when it’s time for the former second-round selection to secure a multi-year extension in Carolina or elsewhere.
Chubb is going to be a stern proposition for the protection to overcome. Denver’s problems haven’t really stemmed from the defensive side of the ball this season and Joe Brady must put the right scheme in place to give his players the best possible opportunity of gaining success.