ESPN highlights strong debut for Panthers rookie in loss to Bears
After a bit of early trouble, Panthers OT Monroe Freeling responded well to finish off his NFL regular-season debut.
In Monday's Week 1 matchup, Carolina Panthers rookie Monroe Freeling made an impressive NFL debut, tackling the Chicago Bears' defensive end Montez Sweat. According to ESPN's Mike Kaye, Sweat managed a sack initially but Freeling stifled him thereafter. Despite being asked to block individually for 70.7% of his pass plays, Freeling allowed only three pressures on 41 dropbacks.
This solid performance came as a significant relief for Carolina's offensive line, which entered the season without its top two offensive tackles, Taylor Moton and another player. Freeling, who started as a left tackle throughout his college career at Georgia, adapted remarkably well to his new role at right tackle. Carolina's other rookies, defensive tackle Lee Hunter and cornerback Will Lee III, also made solid debuts, with Hunter tallying six tackles and Lee III contributing a first-drive fumble recovery.
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