4 Panthers players who must raise their game vs. 49ers in Week 5

Yetur Gross-Matos – Carolina Panthers DE

I will keep harping on this topic until it gets fixed just like the offensive line last season. Brian Burns needs a running mate.

The Carolina Panthers banked on Yetur Gross-Matos taking a leap this season but it simply hasn’t happened. That distinct lack of production from the other side of the defensive line is an issue and one that needs to be rectified in one way or another.

Just like the offensive line last season, the Panthers took risks on underperforming veterans and that has yet to pay off. Pressure wins games. It’s as simple as that in the end and that’s something Carolina has consistently struggled to find aside from a handful of sacks from Burns.

Gross-Matos has yet to even register a tackle for loss. This proves just how little time the Penn State product has spent in the backfield.

Things cannot continue in the same fashion if Carolina wants to stand any chance in Week 5, or any games for that matter. Without a consistent running mate, Burns will tire as more and more pressure is put upon him and teams can solely focus on the former first-round selection.

Burns needs help, and Gross-Matos is the guy Carolina chose to do that. It’s time for him to step up and prove them right.