The Carolina Panthers defense has struggled in their opening two games of the season. They have allowed the sixth most points and the seventh most yards in the league and have allowed more yards per play than any other team. The Panthers have struggled to stop the run and, with the exception of cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, have struggled to stop the pass as well.
With the loss of linebacker Jon Beason to injured reserve, one of the sole threats on the Panthers defense is defensive end Charles Johnson. Johnson just received a six year, $72 million contract in July and has already shown flashes of why he received the money he did, recording a sack in each of the Panthers first two games. Johnson's 11.5 sacks in 2010 ranked 7th in the NFL and his two sacks in 2011 rank him 8th.
Rushing off the right side of the defensive line, Johnson will almost certainly face Eugene Monroe of the Jaguars on Sunday. Monroe has had a very strong start to the season, doing well at keeping pressure away from McCown and Gabbert and plowing ahead as a run blocker.
With Gabbert set to start in his first career NFL game on Sunday, Monroe's performance against one of the league's premier pass rushers will be paramount for the Jaguars to succeed.