Rookie Bryan Cox, Jr is the epitome of the “next man up” mantra that the Carolina Panthers have been preaching as they’ve fought their way through an injury-plagued season to clinch a playoff spot at 11-4. Whether it has been a Charles Johnson suspension or a Curtis Samuel injury, the Panthers have relied on players that may have been on the fringe of fan’s consciousness during training camp or even early in the season.
Cox’s father and namesake played for eleven years in the NFL, and now his son is hoping to have just as long and prolific of a career. He is now contributing to what is almost certainly the best defensive line in the NFL; today they were responsible for five sacks and two fumbles. We had a chance to sit down with the young defensive linemen for a few minutes after Sunday’s 22-19 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and excitedly discuss his first fumble recovery, trip to the playoffs and how this defense looks to make plays going forward.
How does it feel to have a playoff berth clinched after Week 16?
It feels great! It’s my first season, so I’ve obviously never been to the playoffs before, so it’s going to be a great experience.
Do you think you’re the first defensive lineman to get a fumble recovery and a kick return in the same game?
I might! Honestly, I just might.
Can you walk me through that fumble recovery and what happened on that play?
Wes Horton made a great play and got the ball out; I just saw the ball on the ground and I didn’t hear no whistle, so I just went after it.
That’s kind of Wes’ thing, right? Strip sacks?
I’m telling you, man, he’s been getting them so you could definitely say that.
Another great performance from the defensive line, how much are you learning from these veterans playing around you?
Aw man. These dudes, this is a great group right here; honestly, I think it’s the best group in the NFL. Seeing them work everyday, seeing how they interact with each other, on game days, seeing how they act, it’s just a blessing being able to be here and getting to see this and feel this.
Can you talk about your journey this season, from practice squad to making a big play on defense this week?
I’ve definitely had quite a journey, I mean, being undrafted I had to work my way up through the ranks. I wouldn’t have had it any other way to be quite honest, it built great character for me and just helped me establish myself in the league.
How can you spin a performance like this for the defensive line forward for the rest of the season and into the playoffs?
Honestly, we expected this. This is what we do; it’s no surprise to us that we put these numbers up which is what we’re going to continue to keep trying to do.
Julius Peppers, two fumble recoveries today-
Man, that dude right there, there’s nobody like him. He’s a different dude, man.
