Carolina Panthers defense performance through first quarter of 2018

See how each Carolina Panthers offensive unit performed during the first quarter of the 2018 season.

Just two short months ago the Carolina Panthers defense was preparing for their first preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Now they’re already five weeks into regular season play and 3-1 on the young season after defeating everyone but divisional rival Atlanta.

The Panthers defense has performed well under new coordinator Eric Washington although an impressive Week 1 showing may have given a bit of a false hope to a unit continuing to gel together. The defensive line dominated Dallas but struggled the following week at Atlanta and has since found a happy medium over the past three weeks.

Carolina will benefit from the return of veteran linebacker Thomas Davis, who was serving a four game suspension and also had to miss the team’s bye week. His leadership should especially benefit rookie linebackers, Jermaine Carter and Andre Smith, in their development.

Following is a look at the grades earned by each defensive and special teams unit for their performance during the first four games of the year.