5 Panthers players whose hype train is rolling after Week 3 triumph

Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT

It’s time Derrick Brown got the credit he deserves.

After getting some unwarranted criticism from sections of the fanbase on social media, Brown has answered this and more during the campaign so far. His outstanding contribution in Week 3 was a testament to how far his game is coming along, which was something the New Orleans Saints just couldn’t handle from start to finish.

Brown was able to shed blocks at will, causing havoc on the interior and impacting proceedings on a three-down basis. This is exactly what the Carolina Panthers were looking for in Year 3 of his career, which is when we normally see growth from those in the trenches.

The former Auburn standout has to live up to lofty expectations that come with being the No. 7 overall selection. Brown has work to do in pursuit of attaining Pro Bowl-caliber production weekly, but he’s off to a tremendous start and Sunday’s game was arguably his most polished performance in some time.

Carolina is counting heavily on Brown to dominate. His increased efficiency is also making things a lot easier for the likes of Matt Ioannidis, Daviyon Nixon, and Marquan McCall whenever they are rotated into the lineup.

If Brown keeps this up for the entire campaign, then picking up his fifth-year option is a no-brainer.