Mario Addison, Defensive End

On a record-breaking day for the team, Panthers defensive end Mario Addison also made some history on Sunday. The 31-year-old finished with three sacks and a forced fumble to move into fourth place in franchise history in sacks.

Addison’s 44 career sacks are more than every other player in Panthers history except Mike Rucker (55.5), Charles Johnson (67.5) and Julius Peppers (92). And he’s on pace to set a new career high for sacks in a single season. Addison already has 7.5 sacks halfway through the 2018 season after finishing with a career-best 11 sacks last year.

Addison said the following after the game, via the Associated Press:

“I’m a pretty strong guy. People underestimate me because I look kind of small but I pack a punch. By the time they miss and my hands get on the inside of them, I’m running them back and they’re like `Dang, this guy’s stronger than I thought.'”

Although he often gets overlooked on a defense that includes the likes of Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis and the aforementioned Peppers, Addison has been one of the most steady defensive players in the league over the past few seasons.

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