Panthers’ OLB coach gives updates on pass rushers Gross-Matos, Burns, Haynes and more
The Panthers’ transition to a 3-4 defense has put Carolina’s pass rushers in learning mode.
New defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero wants to take advantage of disguise tactics with an odd front, so the edge group is learning new techniques and responsibilities. First-year outside linebackers coach Tem Lukabu has taken a slow but steady approach to that learning curve during the offseason program.
“It’s been an exciting challenge, and I think the players see it the same way,” Lukabu said last week. “There’s so many nuances and little things that we can still get better at that will help us be the type of defense that we can possibly be down the line.”
Brian Burns, the team’s top pass rusher, has been sidelined as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. However, he has been present on the practice field and in meetings throughout the offseason program.
As a two-time Pro Bowler and incumbent team captain, Burns’ presence has been important for the new staff as the team overtakes a defensive face-lift.
“Brian’s been great,” Lukabu said. “He’s been a really good vocal leader. He’s been doing what he can do without getting the reps right now.”
With Burns serving as a spectator during the offseason program, longtime teammate Marquis Haynes has been able to get extended looks at outside linebacker. Haynes is a strong fit for the new front because of his speed off the edge, but he is still learning how to properly work in space in the new system, according to Lukabu.
“Marquis comes in with a lot of innate tools and instincts that fit what we do,” Lukabu said. “He’s another guy that we’re working with, because you think about the way he’s been training the last couple of years, he’s got to make that adjustment, too, and he’s doing that very diligently, himself. I’m really pleased with where he is in his development.”
Another veteran player dealing with the adjustment is former second-round pick Yetur Gross-Matos.
After working as a 4-3 defensive end throughout his college career at Penn State and serving in the same position during the first three years of his Panthers tenure, Gross-Matos is set to play in space for the first time. So far, Lukabu has been encouraged by Gross-Matos’ development in the new role.
“There’s a process that he’s still going through,” Lukabu said. “We talk about going from Point A to Point Z — he’s working along that progress really well.”
Along with developing veterans like Haynes and Gross-Matos, Lukabu has also gained projects in third-round pick DJ Johnson and journeyman Jordan Thomas.
Johnson, a former college tight end, only played one full season as a pass rusher at Oregon. Thomas, a former XFL standout, is transitioning from tight end to outside linebacker after six years in the pros.
While Lukabu has only worked with Johnson and Thomas for a few weeks, he’s been pleased with their desire to learn.
“First and foremost, talented guys — willing learners, hard workers, and they’re ready to come to work every day and just get better, one small step at a time,” Lukabu said. “Once again, we’re in our learning phase — the next phase, we’re going to put that learning, and we’re going to add it with the execution part, so it’s just baby steps right now. Just plugging along with our process, because it will help us in the long run.”
