5 Panthers players that must perform better at NY Giants in Week 2
By Noah Bryce
Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT
Run defense starts in the middle, it’s as simple as that.
On paper, the Carolina Panthers are very stout along the interior with a player like Derrick Brown clogging up space and Matt Ioannidis to get after the passer. In reality, this just wasn’t the case against the Cleveland Browns.
Neither player had a stop behind the line of scrimmage. One just has to look at how many yards were gained on the ground to see how much of an effect this duo had on the game.
Phil Snow has got to get this area taken care of or there might be another coach hired by Matt Rhule. Being shipped out as a scapegoat to help cool the seat of the embattled head coach is a possibility if things continue trending on a downward curve.
It’s prove-it time where Brown is concerned. The former No. 7 overall selection is the most vital piece to this Panthers’ defensive line that has so far regressed in 2022, especially because Saquon Barkley is an explosive runner that loves to bust through gaps.
Barkley is not going to be stopped by a linebacker once he generates momentum. The big guys up front at least have to slow the star running back down for the second level or it’s all over.
This team is not built to come from behind or to absorb chunk plays. The Panthers thrive on grinding out stops, bending but not breaking. And Barkley has the means and the opportunity to break them if Brown doesn’t step up and make a difference on the inside.