Under Rhule, Panthers playing like 'brothers,' winning games

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - When Brian Burns stripped Matt Ryan of the football, Juston Burris found himself with an open lane to the end zone.

All the safety had to do was scoop and score.

But Burris bundled his attempt to pick up the ball, failing to get his hands underneath it, and the Falcons recovered. Burris was emotionally down after the play until he walked to the sideline and dozens of teammates told him, 'œDon't worry about it. You're going to make another play. Get over it.''ť

Burris did just that, turning in the play of the game in the fourth quarter when he intercepted Ryan in the end zone to help preserve Carolina's 23-16 win.

'œHe even told us in the locker room (at halftime) it was his fault, he's going to make a play, he's going to get a pick,'ť linebacker Shaq Thompson said. 'œAnd you know what? He stepped up big for us and he was a man of his word. We trusted him and he got us a stop in the red zone.'ť

Thompson said the two plays are indicative of the bond and trust the Panthers have created over the past three weeks, propelling the team into a first-place tie in the NFC South with Tampa Bay after an 0-2 start.

There is no doubt the intensity has picked up on defense, and guys are flying to the football. After giving up 67 points in their first two games, the Panthers have allowed 53 in the last three.

'œThe team is coming together,'ť Thompson said. 'œWe're brothers playing for each other.'ť

Burris agreed, saying that is because of the culture created by head coach Matt Rhule and defensive coordinator Phil Snow.

'œWe have a lot of young hungry guys, a lot of guys that are running to the ball, a lot of guys that are trying to make plays, and we are trying to make plays for each other,'ť Burris said. 'œWe are trying to be great for each other. We're picking each other up. We're playing for each other and it's great to see. When we turn on the film and we see guys running to the ball and guys hitting, we can tell every player is playing for each other.

"That is what is helping us continue to drive and continue to get better,'ť he added.

WHAT'S WORKING

Robby Anderson might just be the best free agent pickup in the league. The former Jets wide receiver has at least 99 yards receiving in four of the team's five games this season. He's third in the NFL in receptions (36) and yards receiving (469) and has developed a remarkable chemistry with new teammate Teddy Bridgewater.

WHAT NEEDS HELP

The Panthers need to continue to find more ways to get the ball into the hands of versatile and explosive wide receiver Curtis Samuel. Samuel had four runs for 28 yards, including a 17-yard burst while lining up in the backfield. He also made some nice grabs on third downs to move the chains and finished with 36 yards receiving while catching all five balls thrown his way.

STOCK UP

Mike Davis has been outstanding filling in for Christian McCaffrey at running back. In three starts, Davis has 351 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. He helped the Panthers put together a 7 1/2-minute drive in the fourth quarter that led to a clinching field goal. Davis had big runs of 15, 8 and 9 yards on the final drive to bury the Falcons. 'œHe's running it with tremendous physicality,'ť coach Matt Rhule said. 'œHe's not getting tackled by the first tackler."

STOCK DOWN

Run defense will be a big emphasis for the Panthers this week after allowing Todd Gurley and the Falcons to pile up 166 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The biggest blow came on a 35-yard touchdown run by Gurley on the game's first possession. However, the Panthers were able to make adjustments after that first drive and hold the Falcons out of the end zone for the remainder of the game. Still, Gurley averaged 8.6 yards per carry.

INJURED

Four defensive starters left Sunday's game with injuries, including tackle Kawann Short (shoulder), edge rushers Brian Burns (concussion) and Yetur Gross-Matos (ankle) and cornerback Donte Jackson (toe), leaving their playing status up in the air for this week's game against the Bears.

KEY NUMBER

73% - Percentage of passes Bridgewater has completed this season, second most in the league behind only Las Vegas' Derek Carr. Carolina's strategy of getting the ball out quickly is working well as Bridgewater has been sacked eight times this season.

NEXT STEPS

The Panthers will look for their fourth straight win Sunday against the Bears, but getting a push rush on quarterback Nick Foles could be a concern with three banged-up linemen. Stay tuned on the Panthers' injury front.

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