Carolina Panthers

Charles Johnson apparently wasn't happy with being pulled in big win

Published Dec. 16, 2015 12:40 a.m. ET

foxsports

With the Carolina Panthers rolling 38-0 over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14, head coach Ron Rivera was able to give his starters some extra time to rest. Pretty nice of him, right? Well, not if you ask defensive end Charles Johnson. Apparently, he was pretty upset about the fact that he was pulled out of the game in the fourth quarter.

Johnson expressed his displeasure on Twitter, but has since removed the tweet. Fortunately, ESPN still had the tweet.

Via David Newton of ESPN:

"Good game overall as a TEAM!!? [W]hat's the point of having good pass rushers if u sit them at the beginning of the 4 quarter #KeepPounding''

"I thought passer rusher are for situation like today!! Guess not.''

Newton also points out that Rivera himself took note of what Johnson had to say, but wasn't too upset about his defensive end being frustrated.

"I get it,'' said Rivera. "It's an emotional game. He prides himself, especially playing against Atlanta. He wants to be an impact player, especially against Atlanta. I truly do appreciate that, and it doesn't bother me, because I get it.

"Now, would I have preferred he talked to me? Yes. But I understand and I'm not going to worry about it.''

Well, complaining about playing time is one thing, but when you're a part of the defense which had completely shut down the Falcons, this is still pretty surprising to hear. Johnson also will get plenty more action this season, specifically with a few big games coming up when the team begins their playoff push for the Super Bowl.