Author: Jason Richburg

One thing Matt Rhule is good at is evaluating talent outside the first round. In his first two drafts, Rhule has found serviceable NFL players. Players such as Yetur Moss-Gratos (2nd), Brady Christensen (3rd), Chuba Hubbard (4th) and Jeremy Chinn (2nd) have all been productive in their young careers. Now that the 2022 NFL Draft has passed it looks Rhule may have done it again. Edge rusher Amare Barno (6th) has flashed potential and guard Cade Mays (6th) has looked like a man amongst boys on certain plays. But rookie linebacker Brandon Smith has been just eye-popping and he is just getting…

The NFL kicked off their twelfth annual Top 100 list. This list is voted on by the players which recognizes the play of the NFL’s best. Well, the list welcomed a newcomer, with defensive end of the Carolina Panthers Brian Burns. Burns was voted Number 76 by his peers, after having a nine-sack season which was capped off with a trip to the Pro Bowl. Not only that, but Burns becomes the first Panther to make an appearance on this year’s list. https://twitter.com/Panthers/status/1559005443845939202?s=20&t=H6k93TXgzrgm5-CF6R0enA Burns was ranked higher than other notable edge-rushers Tre Hendrickson (Bengals), Von Miller (Bills), and Shaquil Barret…

The Carolina Panthers played their first preseason game defeating the Washington Commander 23-21. There were a lot of unexpected and unsurprising performances that happened in the game. What I am happy to say is that I saw a lot players making plays that can translate to the regular season. Here are my standouts from week one against the Commanders. Shi Smith Smith found himself playing with the first unit due to the absence of receivers DJ Moore and Terrace Marshall Jr.. Smith saw early action, with five targets and catching two passes for 34 yards. Its encouraging to see Smith…

One of the best trends in college football are videos of walk-ons and transfers being given full ride scholarships by their coaches. Well this past Friday the University of South Florida Bulls awarded Allen University(HBCU) transfer, defensive tackle De’Juan Sease a full ride scholarship. Sease comes from Bamberg, South Carolina and played football at Bamberg Earhardt High School. A school home to Clemson football legend Da’Quan Bowers. Currently the Bulls are in fall camp preparing for the season. So this was a perfect chance by the coaches to set this up for Sease. Sease was front and center of the…

Baker Mayfield made his Carolina debut this Saturday against the Washington Commanders.  Mayfield got the start over Sam Darnold against the Commanders, but saw limited action in the teams 23-21 victory. While Mayfield got the start he only played on one drive with Darnold playing in two. In his debut, Mayfield made the most out his limited opportunity. On his lone drive Mayfield went 4/7 with 45 passing yards. On the drive, Robby Anderson dropped a pass in the endzone and Mayfield bobbled a snap on second down. But something Panther fans should keep there eye on is Mayfield’s early…

Every year, a new breakout player is born in the NFL. Last year it was Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs. In year two, Diggs became an All-Pro and had 11 interceptions and 21 pass deflections. Becoming a breakout player brings instant stardom, but also high expectations. Some players maintain those expectations, while others become one year wonders. What it takes to be a breakout player? Before we dive into the list lets answer the question, what does it take to become a breakout player? Becoming a breakout player doesn’t just happen overnight. What defines a breakout player is their willingness…

We will be heading into the new NFL season with 10 new head coaches. Five which are first time head coaches who are looking to show they belong as head coaches. Some of these coaches are in a excellent position to win now, while others will probably be facing troubling times throughout the season. Here are the floor and ceiling of each new head coach heading into the 2022 NFL season. Chicago Bears, Matt Eberflus The Chicago Bears were a dumpster fire last year. After four seasons with Matt Nagy the Chicago Bears went in a different direction by hiring…

Sam Mills is officially enshrined into Canton. Mills makes it the third Carolina Panther player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The first two being defensive end Reggie White and linebacker Kevin Greene. Mills was inducted by his wife Melanie Mills and former coach Jim Mora. It was an emotional induction, as Mills pass back in 2005 due to a battle with intestinal cancer. https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1555956913552216064?s=20&t=8mcpUeM4Q-EDgN1uFqMIfg In addition, Mills is the definition of the Carolina Panthers mantra  “KeepPounding”, as he is the one who coined the phrase. Till this day, he still inspires many across the the NFL and…

Baker Mayfield vs Sam Darnold has been dominating media headlines, but the real battle going on in Spartanburg, SC is between Brady Christensen and Ikem Ekwonu for the starting left tackle spot. There has been a void at left tackle since Jordan Gross’s retirement in 2014. Since then Carolina has failed numerous times trying to address the position. But with all the noise coming out of training camp, this may be year that finally changes. Christensen vs Ekwonu The Panthers starting left tackle position is up for grabs, and second year player Brady Christensen and rookie Ikem Ekwonu are…

At Jackson State University’s media day, QB Shedeur Sanders put out a PSA, and his eyes are set on the first round. If drafted, Sanders would become only the 14th HBCU quarterback to be drafted in the NFL. While only three have been first round picks. Last season he was arguably the best quarterback in the SWAC. He threw for 3200 passing yards and tossed 30 touchdowns with only eight interceptions. He led Jackson Stat to an 8-1 record, first SWAC East Title since 2013 and first SWAC Championship since 2007. HBCU Quarterback History Last time a HBCU quarterback was a…