Sir Purr
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- Mar 16, 2019
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Replacing Kawann Short
Defensive tackle Kawann Short has suffered a season-ending shoulder injury for the second consecutive year, and now Carolina has to replace his production. Zach Kerr will likely start on Sunday, as he did when Short was out in Weeks 2 and 3 with a foot injury. But Carolina won't replace Short's production with one player.
"It's going to be by committee, and I think it's going to be cool to see some of the guys that haven't gotten the opportunities that they should've or that they could get, based on the guys that are in front of them," Kerr said.
Sixth-round pick Bravvion Roy could see his playing time increase. Rhule has touted Efe Obada's versatility to play both end and tackle. The Panthers may bring up a player from the practice squad as well, with a few spots open on the 53-man roster plus the ability to activate a player for the game.
Whoever is in must do a better job of defending the run after Carolina surrendered 6.9 yards per carry against Atlanta in Week 5.
"If everyone's in their gap, and defends their gap, and everyone tackles, then you can have a good run defense," Rhule said. "It's about guys not doing silly things, spinning out of gaps, not getting in the right gap. It's about tremendous discipline and toughness versus a very good offensive line and running game."
Can Bridgewater stay upright?
The Panthers have done an excellent job of protecting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater over the last two games. The quarterback has not been sacked, and opponents have registered just seven quarterback hits. The offensive line deserves plenty of credit for that, but so do the tight ends and running backs who have been instrumental in pass protection.
But the Bears' pass rush poses significant problems, led by former first-round pick Khalil Mack. Rhule coached against Mack when the edge rusher starred for the University at Buffalo and would use his film as teaching tape.
"He's just so consistent, plays so hard, and plays the run as well as they pass," Rhule said.
A quick-passing game could help the Panthers negate the intense pass rush, but it won't be easy to stop players like Mack, Akiem Hicks, and Robert Quinn.