Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown is now eating up space in the NFL record books.
In the second quarter of Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brown wrapped up running back Rachaad White for his third takedown on the day. That tackle marked his 99th of the year, which is now a new single-season record for most tackles by a defensive lineman.
The fourth-year wrecking ball has surpassed the previous record of 98, which was set by Miami’s Christian Wilkins last season.
Unfortunately for Brown, his stellar campaign did not result in an initial spot on the NFC’s Pro Bowl roster. Nonetheless, his performance has not gone completely unnoticed.
“He’s had a heck of a year,” defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero said this past Thursday. “He’s been so disruptive. I don’t think it’s arguably—I think he’s been the best run defender in the NFL this year. He’s done a heck of a job rushing the quarterback, and creating pressures, the interception, the batted balls. There’s been so much production.”
Brown also entered Week 18 leading all defensive linemen in run stop win rate (48 percent) and stops (48).
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