Panthers: Yetur Gross-Matos looking to do and be more moving forward
When the Carolina Panthers announced the switch from a base 4-3 defense to a 3-4, worry abounded regarding Yetur Gross-Matos' role in the new defense. In his first three seasons in the NFL, Gross-Matos has done well at setting the edge but hasn't tallied the imposing numbers one would have thought through that same stretch. In […]
When the Carolina Panthers announced the switch from a base 4-3 defense to a 3-4, worry abounded regarding Yetur Gross-Matos' role in the new defense.
In his first three seasons in the NFL, Gross-Matos has done well at setting the edge but hasn't tallied the imposing numbers one would have thought through that same stretch. In a 3-4 defense, Gross Matos hopes that can change.
"I really appreciated him for giving me the opportunity to do something different. Now it's on me to show them what I can do," Gross Matos said. "Athleticism has been my training card since the beginning. Now it's just learning of the techniques, but athletically, I don't feel like I'm at a default. You play in space a lot more and there is more to learn. There's more terminology and more football IQ is required."
Gross-Matos also hung around Brian Burns, who is embracing the change to a 3-4 defensive scheme well. Similar to Gross-Matos, Burns said playing in the new defensive base will allow him to showcase more of his football IQ.
Out of a summer spent picking the brain of Burns and getting in some extra reps in the gym, Gross-Matos is attempting to do and be more in a year that can define the future of his career with the Panthers.
"I want to be an all-around dominant player. I want people to respect my name. People go to social media and say we need a second pass rusher and stuff like that. I want people to have respect on my name."
With expectations only growing regarding what the Panthers can accomplish in the upcoming season, the best version of Gross-Matos isn't a luxury, it is a necessity. And Gross-Matos seems to know that himself.
Brian Burns on playing in 3-4 defense: ‘It’ll showcase my IQ more’
Two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns is looking at, for the first time in his NFL career, a change of roles.
Feature image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports.
