OPINION SERIES: three unsung heroes on the Carolina Panthers defensive line

OPINION SERIES: three unsung heroes on the Carolina Panthers defensive line

Abbi Webb, Editor in Chief 

3. Kurt Coleman, #20

For the third and final installment of “Three unsung heroes on the Panthers’ defensive line,” I am choosing to recognize the exceptional performance put forth by safety Kurt Coleman in the 2015 season. 

Coleman and teammate Roman Harper are two players that have been signed after being cut by other NFL teams. Coleman was with the Philadelphia Eagles for two very successful seasons in 2012 and 2013 and then signed with the Minnesota Vikings only to be cut in the last round of picks. According to the Gaston Gazette, when Coleman signed with the Panthers as a safety, he secured a position that had been unstable for the team in the past.

Having started every game thus far with the Panthers, Coleman has managed three interceptions, 51 tackles and one quarterback sack. Needless to say, cutting him was Minnesota’s loss. After one of his best-played games against the Indianapolis Colts in week eight, Coleman said he was exhausted. His teammates said what they appreciate most about Coleman is his willingness to put his all into every game, even to the point of exhaustion.

Coleman is also an excellent team player and credits most of his success to the people on the field around him. Joining defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, whom Coleman has worked with before, has also been a factor in his success.

“Without them I’m nothing and I really acknowledge that,” Coleman told the Gaston Gazette about his teammates. “So yes, you know, being in (Sean’s) system really helps me, but playing amongst these guys, it allows me to be myself and be a playmaker.”

With this mentality, I am confident that Coleman’s career will only improve in his time with the Carolina Panthers and he will continue to develop his role as safety for the undefeated team. 

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are solely those of the original author(s) These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of The Vision website or North Greenville University.