4 Carolina Panthers on the hot seat in Week 16 vs. the Lions
By Dean Jones
Yetur Gross-Matos – Carolina Panthers DE
When one considers the biggest disappointments from another rollercoaster 2022 season, the performances of Yetur Gross- Matos will be right up there. The Carolina Panthers were anticipating a major leap forward for the defensive end this season after letting Haason Reddick leave in free agency, but it’s been a series of constant letdowns, and Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers was another example.
Carolina’s defense got embarrassed at the line of scrimmage, which was surprising considering how well they’ve done under Steve Wilks overall. However, the former Penn State standout was bullied more than most and it turned out to be yet another contest where he failed to pressure the quarterback in any shape or form.
Gross-Matos’ pass-rushing prowess leaves a lot to be desired. Some encouraging strides are coming against the run, but the Panthers are paying the price for Reddick’s departure and this could be an area of significant need in 2023 as a result.
With 1.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits, and eight pressures from 72 percent of Carolina’s defensive snaps in 2022, it’s clear Gross-Matos isn’t giving the Panthers what they hoped. And another poor outing versus the Detroit Lions could be the final nail in his starting hopes.
Gross-Matos will attempt to become more influential this weekend. Whether he can do that in the face of Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker is highly debatable.