Carolina Panthers defense performance through first quarter of 2018

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 07: Luke Kuechly #59 talks to teammate Mike Adams #29 of the Carolina Panthers against the New York Giants in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 09: Kawann Short #99 of the Carolina Panthers sacks Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line: 83, B

A+ vs. Cowboys, F at Falcons, A vs. Bengals, C+ vs. Giants

After a five sack effort to open the year Carolina has seen their pass rush fizzle. Even against a New York Giants team that was allowing multiple sacks over their first few games of the year, no one along the Panthers defensive line was able to reach Eli Manning in the game.

The Panthers have done a nice job of containing opponents at the initial point of attack other than a brutal let down versus the Falcons. Minus their abysmal performance in Week 2, this unit appears poised for bigger and better things as the season continues.

Veteran defensive end Julius Peppers failed to record a sack over his first four games for only the second time in his historic 17-year career.

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