4 Panthers players that must step up vs. the Buccaneers in Week 16
By Dean Jones
Bravvion Roy – Carolina Panthers DT
Hopefully, Derrick Brown can get off the COVID-19 list in time for Sunday’s game. But if the stud defensive tackle cannot go then Bravvion Roy has a good chance to make a good impression from a more prominent starting position.
The former sixth-round pick’s been involved plenty on a rotational basis this season. There’s nothing flashy about Roy’s play and he does get bullied at times, but he’s still a serviceable player and certainly reaching expectations in relation to where he was taken in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Daviyon Nixon is on the shelf and Phil Hoskins was carted off the practice field on Thursday. This means the Panthers are really light on the defensive line interior if Brown cannot pass protocols in the coming days.
Carolina does have the option of using Yetur Gross-Matos as a three-technique in obvious pass-rushing situations. But it might be Roy that carries the load alongside DaQuan Jones in the face of a usually dominant Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line.
Roy’s status on the roster doesn’t appear in much doubt. Although that could change if team owner David Tepper decides to relieve Matt Rhule of his duties following the season.
However, if the Baylor product wants a bigger role in 2022 and beyond, Roy cannot afford to let opportunities like this slip through his fingers.