Carolina Panthers defense: Mid-year performance analysis

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

A convincing Carolina Panthers victory over divisional rival Tampa Bay brings the team to the middle of their regular season schedule. At 6-2, the Panthers are currently on pace to put together their first consecutive winning seasons in franchise history.

New defensive coordinator Eric Washington may not have arrived with the fanfare of his offensive counterpart but Washington has been just as important in leading Carolina to their current record. At different times throughout the first eight games of the season, the Panthers have had to rely on either side of the football and special teams play to earn a victory.

Washington continues to tweak his unit in preparation for the remaining eight games and arguably has the most improved group of players on the field in the Carolina secondary. Injuries forced a signing of safety Eric Reid, who appears to be improving weekly, and rookie cornerback Donte Jackson is way ahead of schedule in his development.

Continue to view the grades earned by each defensive and special teams unit for their performance over the first half of the 2018 regular season.