Getting Tershawn Wharton back on the field has had a positive impact on the Carolina Panthers’ defense, especially when paired with standout defensive tackle Derrick Brown. The two players have developed a working relationship that is benefiting the team as they learn to complement each other’s playing styles.
“Just knowing that he’s a dominant guy, there’s an understanding that we could do dynamic things on the field with each other,” Wharton said. “And you’ve got to pick and choose who you’re going to go to, and knowing that if it’s run to me, I want to bounce it back to him, and I know he’s going to do the same thing for me.”
While Brown is listed at 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds—though his defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero often refers to him as 330 pounds—Wharton comes in at 6-foot-1 and 280 pounds. Their physical differences are apparent, but their effectiveness is similar.
Brown commented on their size difference: “That’s crazy now, 50? That’s strong,” he said with a laugh. “He looks like a muscle head, man. Look at him. Damn, if he flex too hard, he cramps.”
Bobby Brown III added his perspective: “He’s three bills, easy,” Bobby said. “Look at those legs, this man’s built like a tree trunk.”
Offensive lineman Austin Corbett compared Wharton’s leverage and explosiveness to former teammate Aaron Donald: “Turk has that natural leverage — which means you’re short — and then you add on top of his strength and explosiveness on top of it, that’s a challenge. It was the same thing with Aaron, so he’s not tall, he’s not necessarily the biggest, but when you have that leverage, that strength, that explosiveness, you’re able to move guys that way.
“And then you have Derrick, it’s just, I am physically a bigger human than you, and I’m going to move you however I want to. That works too.”
In recent games since recovering from injuries—a hamstring issue followed by a toe injury—Wharton has played significant snaps (59 and 56 in the last two games) and contributed 14 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits.
“I think we take turns throwing everybody around,” Wharton said with a laugh. “I think there’s a damn moment every time we play. They just got to cut the film on, and they see it.
“I think we’ve just got two different ways of approaching it. Derrick, he’s stronger, bigger up top, and I do everything with my legs down low. So yeah, two totally different guys and both getting the job done.”
Asked whether people underestimate him due to his size or because of Brown’s attention-grabbing presence: “I think once they cut the film on they know not to,” Wharton replied.
Brown emphasized how important it is having teammates like Wharton alongside him: “Adding somebody that plays on the opposite side and you know having AR in the middle…just having guys across the front you can count on,” Brown said. He’s a big strong powerful man. Knowing that he’s on that side…obviously allows me to play my side true.”
Brown also praised Wharton’s strength after observing him during workouts: “He’s strong as ,” Brown said unequivocally. “He’s strong and got enough leverage…this is impressive. I’ve played with shorter guys but they’re not that strong like he is.
“We lift together so I know…All of it; he’s just strong.”
Bobby Brown agreed: “Crazy strong…That—and just his tenacity and aggressiveness…and his mind. He’s a very smart football player too.”
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero explained how their different skills work well together for both run defense and pass rush situations: “One guy that’s twitchy and a penetrator; Derrick’s very twitchy as well but he’s got that size and mass…they’re a really good complement,” Evero said after their game against Green Bay. He noted how having both players available improves their ability in pass rush scenarios.
For Wharton personally returning from injury has been about patience through recovery: “I think any time you have injuries it’s all about knowing it’s a long season,” Wharton said.”So just taking care of yourself to come back…it took a long time to get up there.
“Now I think every week we just build…there’s a relationship as well so I think we’re building that brotherhood amongst us…”
As they continue working together through the season their partnership remains key for Carolina’s defensive performance.
