Some things take precedence. After learning of Derrick Brown’s season-ending knee injury, Carolina Panthers reserve defensive lineman LaBryan Ray checked up on the Pro Bowl defensive end before tackling anything else.
A top reserve, Ray didn’t pause to check on the team’s depth chart or if he should contact position coach Todd Wash to talk about a possible starting role against the Los Angeles Chargers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday. He did neither. He felt compelled to “check on DB (Brown) and make sure he’s good first because he’s a brother,” Ray said after Wednesday’s practice.
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero maintains faith in the unit, despite losing its star.
“I have a lot of confidence,” Evero told reporters during Thursday’s press conference. “These guys have been working their butts off and they’re ready to go.”
#Panthers defensive linemen execute a turnover drill during Wednesday’s #NFL practice … pic.twitter.com/n92KfgWJsA
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) September 14, 2024
Ejiro Evero: ‘So, It’s The Next Man Up’
They better be ready. The Panthers’ defense, with Brown participating in 60 of 66 plays, didn’t show much resistance to the host New Orleans Saints, suffering a 47-10 season-opening defeat. The Saints dominated the NFC South matchup, scoring on their opening nine offensive possessions.
The Panthers returned to Charlotte, N.C., only to learn Monday that Brown injured his meniscus and would require surgery. Brown compiled 103 tackles last season, becoming the first defensive lineman to reach that milestone.
“He’s not really sure (when it happened),” Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Monday. “It’s a physical game, so when you play on the interior there’s a lot of funky positions you get into. The one thing I can say is like you look at this game and regardless of the time or the score, it’s PAT or it’s field goal and Derrick is rushing with full effort the whole time.”
Evero remained confident that Ray or Nick Thurman would help maintain a constant pocket presence. Led by outside linebacker Eku Leota‘s sack among three tackles for loss, the Panthers, at least, generated pressure against the Saints, even though they failed to prevent several big plays.
“So, it’s the next man up,” Evero said.
Several Panthers parroted the mantra.
“Yup, next man up,” Ray said.
Could that be Jayden Peevy?
@Panthers DT unit runs through an agility drill during Wednesday’s @NFL preseason practice ,… pic.twitter.com/oUiiSGrwtn
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 22, 2024
Jayden Peevy Could Earn Week 2 Start
Listed as the primary backup at both end positions for Week 1, Ray remained in the same position on the Week 2 depth chart. Except this time, Peevy was listed as a starter. An undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M, Peevy spent most of the past two seasons with the Tennessee Titans. The third-year professional assisted on his first career tackle last week against the Saints.
Ray, who registered 19 tackles as a rookie last season, explained how the Panthers prepared to cope without Brown.
“Everybody’s got to focus on their job, from play to play,” Ray said. “Collectively, we can go out and do what we can do. Come in ready to work, work hard (and) compete so we can get better as a unit.”
The Chargers are expected to employ a run-first offense, evidenced by their Week 1 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Paced by J.K. Dobbins’ 135 rushing yards on 10 carries, the Chargers produced 176 yards on the ground. The strategy likely will not fool the Panthers, who yielded 180 rushing yards to the Saints. They just need to execute better.
“I think everybody, as a unit, has to be ready to play,” Ray said. “That’s really what we’re focused on. Everything else will take care of itself.”
In other words, have faith.
Prepping for #Panthers home opener Sunday … pic.twitter.com/RZheGS2uvS
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) September 14, 2024
Main Image: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
