Brenton Bersin

Devin Funchess and Brenton Bersin each had just one catch in Sunday’s win over the Saints, but both wide receivers made a positive impression on head coach Ron Rivera with their performances.

Funchess showed tremendous toughness and concentration on a critical pass over the middle early in the fourth quarter. The rookie reached out to make a 14-yard catch and he took a huge shot up high from linebacker Stephone Anthony but held on. Anthony was penalized for unnecessary roughness and as a result, Carolina advanced from their own 34-yard line to the New Orleans 37.

"It converted an important third down for us and kept the momentum going," Rivera said. "He took a big shot, and it was very important for Devin to make that kind of play in that kind of traffic and take that kind of hit. That’s just another step in his development."