10 quick thoughts from the Panthers win vs. Falcons in Week 10
By Dean Jones
Derrick Brown is a bonafide stud
The emergence of defensive tackle Derrick Brown has been extraordinary. Another dominant display against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football removed any lingering doubts about his status as one of the league’s best interior linemen and the Carolina Panthers are fortunate to have a player of this caliber.
Brown was throwing opposing offensive linemen around like rag dolls and making big plays at will. This is a grown man coming of age and someone the Panthers’ incoming regime can build around for future success.
A mixed 3rd quarter from the Carolina Panthers
One of the biggest thorns in Matt Rhule’s side during his time as head coach was a complete lack of third-quarter efficiency. Something that threatened to rear its head once again during a sloppy spell of football immediately after the break.
Penalties, gap discipline issues, and little production on offense allowed the Falcons back into the contest. However, they responded well late thanks to an impressive drive that was finished off by a D’Onta Foreman run to make it a two-possession game.
This was a positive step in the right direction. Proof that this Carolina team is much better prepared and organized with Wilks at the helm.
Carolina Panthers must extend D’Onta Foreman
Trading Christian McCaffrey and firing Matt Rhule has benefitted nobody more than D’Onta Foreman. The running back is thriving in a lead role, producing another 100-yard rushing game against the Falcons and doing more than enough to suggest an extension could be in the offing before free agency.
The Panthers might still draft a player to compliment Foreman, but the former Texas star is earning the right to secure the No. 1 job beyond the current campaign if things continue in a similar manner down the stretch.