Carolina Panthers: 3 things defense must make happen

Picking the ball off

I get that this is easier said than done, but the Carolina Panthers pass defense needs to do a better job of being aggressive and picking the ball off. Again, they have the talent to do so, they just need to make sure to go out and execute.

The team was at the bottom of the league in interceptions in 2017, snagging 10 passes from their intended targets. That put them No. 27 in the National Football League.

In terms of the NFC South, the Atlanta Falcons had fewer interceptions than the Panthers.  Coming in with eight, that put them No. 28 in the league.  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were ranked No. 17 in the league with 13 picks, while the New Orleans Saints were the pride of the division, ranking No. three in the league with 20 interceptions.

There is nothing specific the Carolina Panthers can really do other than play tight coverage during individual matchups.  This is more about making the most of the opportunities that become available. If a ball is underthrown or in a good position for the cornerbacks or safety to make a play, they need to go up there and grab it. With the talent that they will be facing, there will probably be few errors and second chances. Capitalizing on the ones they do get will be key.