Panthers rookie watch: Derrick Brown ineffective vs. Saints

Here is a review of how the kids did against New Orleans.

The Panthers kept it close on Sunday as they have all season. In the end, they couldn’t score an upset over the division-rival Saints, falling on the road 27-24. It was also a pretty forgettable week for their 2020 rookie class.

Here is a review of how the kids did against New Orleans.

Derrick Brown was ineffective

Brown has made some splash plays as a run-stuffer and came into this week with six tackles for a loss, tied with Aaron Donald for the league-lead among DTs. However, he was completely ineffective against a New Orleans offensive line that dominated everyone in a Carolina uniform not named Brian Burns. Brown finished the game with just one tackle, half of Bravvion Roy’s total. There’s not too much to be concerned about, here. The Saints will shut down a lot of good linemen and Brown will have his ups and downs.

Jeremy Chinn still growing

Chinn was the exception to the rule. He has been a standout against the run all season, but had some issues in coverage early on. His improvement in this area continues. Last week he had a pick and a PBU on Nick Foles and Sunday he came through with another nice deflection against Drew Brees.

Chinn finished second on the team with eight combined tackles.

Troy Pride Jr. struggled again

With cornerback Rasul Douglas on the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list, Pride got another chance with the starters. Again, he had troubles in coverage. This time around he got benched in favor of Eli Apple. Pride may yet develop into a respectable corner. He should probably be spending all of his playing time on special teams right now, though.

Sam Franklin played every snap

The Panthers lost another starter in the defensive backfield this week with safety Juston Burris going on injured reserve. Undrafted rookie Sam Franklin took his place in the starting lineup and wound up playing every single defensive snap. Franklin posted two tackles and got into a little scuffle with Saints tight end Josh Hill at one point.

Relatable. Franklin didn’t stand out but didn’t embarrass himself, either.

Kenny Robinson debuts, Myles Hartsfield runs

Fifth-round pick Kenny Robinson finally saw his first action of the 2020 season. He was called up from the practice squad and played 11 snaps on special teams. The undrafted DB/RB Myles Hartsfield got some reps at running back but only managed two yards on two carries.

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