Panthers rookie watch: Jeremy Chinn’s humbling experience vs. Tampa

Here is how the class of 2020 did in round two against Tampa.

Everyone has their own welcome to the NFL, rookie moments. This past week was one of them. The Carolina Panthers’ most promising rookie defender had a rough game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Here is how the class of 2020 did in round two against Tampa.

The defensive linemen flashed

Carolina’s defensive line didn’t have much luck against the Bucs. We did get to see a couple of flashes from the rookies, though. Derrick Brown and Yetur Gross-Matos combined for eight tackles, one QB hit and one TFL.

Sixth-round pick Bravvion Roy chipped in another three tackles and two quarerback hits of his own.

Jeremy Chinn had a setback

It was a long afternoon for the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Month. Chinn is the team’s best option to defend tight ends, but it’s a low bar. He allowed a touchdown on a pass to Cameron Brate in the first quarter.

Later, Chinn couldn’t cover or tackle Rob Gronkowski on what turned into a 44-yard gain for Tampa.

Chinn’s passer rating allowed for the season is now up to 99.1.

It wasn’t all bad for No. 21, though. He came through with a quality stop against Leonard Fournette, here.

Chinn also had a chance to pull off a vintage Julio Jones/D.K. Metcalf chasedown of Ronald Jones II on his 98-yard touchdown run. He couldn’t maintain his top speed long enough, though and his failed diving tackle attempt sealed the deal.

It’s important to remember that Chinn may not be operating at 100% right now. He missed the previous game with a knee injury and was listed as questionable coming into this one. Even if he was hurt, Chinn still played 90% of the team’s defensive snaps.

Sam Franklin started again

Undrafted rookie safety Sam Franklin was in the starting lineup again for the fourth straight game even after Juston Burris was activated from injured reserve. Burris wound up playing more defensive snaps though, 50 (62%) to 32 (40%). Still, Franklin held his own and posted four tackles.

Joseph Charlton thrived

It’s been a low-key sharp rookie year for South Carolina’s Joseph Charlton. In addition to moonlighting as a QB, he has a heck of a leg. Charlton totaled 54.3 yards per punt attempt on Sunday, bringing his season average up to 47.5. He pinned two kicks inside the five.

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