While the Raiders moved Irvin to primarily defensive end in 2018, he has rushed the passer from both a standing position and beginning with his hand in the dirt – this versatility lends itself to the hybrid defensive front that has been discussed for the Panthers heading into 2019. Irvin played the traditional strongside linebacker in Seattle before being moved to defensive end – Irvin’s excited not only to contribute on the field, but also to be a veteran leader in the locker room for a Panthers defense that is losing veterans Thomas Davis, Julius Peppers and Captain Munnerlyn.
“It’s a younger defense and I’m an older guy,” said Irvin on a conference call introducing himself to the Charlotte media. “So I can kind of come in and get my hands on some of these other guys and show them how to really be a vet not only on the field, but off the field.”
While most of his value will come during passing downs as an experienced pass rusher, he has more than enough in his toolbelt to take on blockers and be an effective run defender as well as – much to his chagrin – be able to cover running backs and tight ends.
And he’s very familiar with what the defense will be, saying that the Panthers defense he’d discussed with Ron Rivera and Eric Washington before signing was similar to the hybrid 4-3 he’d played under Ken Norton, Jr. in Seattle and Oakland, but “a lot of new stuff” – he’ll be able to use his versatility, whether that means dropping into coverage, spying the quarterback or using his speed as a pass rusher.
“I’ve been in the system for my whole career,” said Irvin. “I can teach it, I can play it, whatever they ask me to do, I can help in any way. I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
“I feel like I’m more effective as a linebacker in a base defense in running situations more than being a defensive end, but I can do either. SAM [linebacker] or [defensive] end, I’m comfortable with either. With the defense that we’re going to, I’m very familiar with [it].”
“It’s just a great fit.”
Over his seven year career, Irvin has posted 43.5 sacks, 99 quarterback hits, 277 tackles and 15 forced fumbles while picking off three passes and scoring two defensive touchdowns.
“You want to go somewhere where you can play and be productive right now,” said Irvin when asked about whether the hybrid defensive scheme he was so familiar with was a factor in choosing Carolina. “This is my eighth year in the league, I don’t [have] a year or two to spare to get a feel for the system.”
“I tried to go to the best situation where I can make an immediate impact [and] I felt like Carolina was that.”
