Rapid Reactions: Brian Burns shines as starters sit preseason opener

[Sir Purr]

No Starters


During the Ron Rivera era, the starters have typically been out there for at least a series in the preseason opener. That wasn’t the case this year.


We knew Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly weren’t going to play, but the entire starting lineup on both sides of the ball joined on the “did not participate” list. Clearly, the Panthers are exercising caution this preseason. The Bears sat most of their starters as well, although quarterback Mitchell Trubisky did hand the ball off a few times.


Here’s what the starting offensive line looked like from left to right: Greg Little, Dennis Daley, Tyler Larsen, Taylor Hearn, Brandon Greene.


Here’s what the starting secondary looked like: Corn Elder and Lorenzo Doss at corner, Colin Jones and Ross Cockrell at safety.


It should be noted that Rashaan Gaulden and Tre Boston were the second group in at safety. Gaulden was particularly active with a forced fumble and an eye-popping PBU when he got home on a blitz.