4 promising signs for the Panthers at Packers in Week 15
By Dean Jones
Derrick Brown’s production
Derrick Brown might not fill up the stat sheet consistently. But the defensive tackle broke that trend with an exceptional performance at the Packers.
The 2020 first-round pick was a relentless force on the interior to formally announce himself on the national stage. Brown benefitted enormously from Brian Burns wreaking havoc on the edge and was another strong indicator that when the Carolina Panthers get some better production around the former Auburn standout, he can make things happen.
Brown notched the first two sacks of his NFL career on Saturday Night Football. Getting after the quarterback was a question mark regarding the player during the evaluation process, but there have been some encouraging signs that he is more than capable of this over the second half of the campaign.
This was Brown’s coming out party.
But what comes next will be equally as important.
Getting a three-technique to play alongside Brown will be crucial this offseason. Zach Kerr has been playing at a high level, but a longer-term partner would stand the player and the Panthers in extremely good stead.
Brown has accumulated 32 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, two sacks, two passes defended, and 10 pressures this season. Taking him at No. 7 overall was the right call and there could be big things to come from the rookie providing he takes the necessary steps forward this offseason.