Success is never a straight line. Especially for young NFL players who are still learning the game, there are going to be curves and bumps in the road as they develop. That was certainly the case for the Panthers’ rookie class of 2020 on Sunday in Atlanta.
Here’s a review of how the kids did this week.
DT Derrick Brown
For the second time this season, Brown committed multiple penalties. He was flagged twice for encroachment against the Falcons. Clearly this is something he will need to work on. Brown is still flashing plenty of power, though and affecting the game even if it doesn’t show up in the box score.
Derrick Brown splits the double team and forces Matt Ryan to rollout. That’s some power pic.twitter.com/n7lKGplmrQ
— Panthers 24/7 (@Panthers24_7) October 11, 2020
Brown also scooped up a fumble at one point, so it wasn’t all bad.
DE Yetur Gross-Matos
Gross-Matos saw his playing time limited by an ankle injury this week and only played 17 defensive snaps (26% of the team’s total). After the game, coach Matt Rhule did not offer any updates on his condition.
LB Jeremy Chinn
Chinn was the exception to the rule for the rookie class struggling on Sunday. He posted nine total tackles (six solo) and came through with a big pass breakup late in the game. Chinn played almost every defensive snap (98%) and now ranks sixth in the entire league in tackles this season.
CB Troy Pride Jr.
With Donte Jackson leaving early due to his lingering toe injury, Pride got a ton of playing time at outside corner. He played a career high 97% of the snaps. As opposed to Chinn, his performance was less encouraging. While he did post six tackles, Pride continues to have issues in coverage. He’s allowed a 119.2 passer rating when targeted and Pro Football Focus currently has him graded at 39.6 overall.
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