Carolina Panthers rookies signal change on defense

Carolina Panthers rookie minicamp gets underway with a different look.

The Carolina Panthers struggle to bring down opposing quarterbacks a year ago has apparently prompted a change in defensive strategy. While their applied pressure may have remained consistent, the end result was lacking. As the season transpired, Panthers’ pass rushers consistently failed to reach pay dirt and register sacks. A year removed from being one of the top teams in the league, Carolina faltered down the stretch last season.

Always adapting as he attempts to put Carolina in a position to succeed, coach Ron Rivera is ready to feature more 3-4 fronts on defense this year. A significant shift from the base 4-3 defensive scheme, featuring four down linemen, the increase in linebacker presence is an attempt to provide pressure from multiple positions and combinations moving forward.

As rookie camp begins with draft picks, undrafted free agents, invitees and a few returners – a classroom focus is the target. Rivera and the Panthers have many positions of need filled and all that remains is seeing if those prospects in consideration can complete the task.

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While many of the players on the field this week may never suit up or participate in a Panthers game that counts, the difference made during these few days can help. According to The Charlotte Observer reporter, Jourdan Rodrigue, some of the camp drills featured only three down linemen.

A change from Rivera’s traditional 4-3 front, the apparent shift isn’t due to a lack of players as other portions of practice featured four linemen but instead a new philosophy. In addition to adding rookies who could compete off the edge, general manager Marty Hurney also signed veteran Bruce Irvin – who can play either a defensive end or outside linebacker position.

The Panthers currently have three players listed as hybrid defenders between first-round pick, Burns, Irvin and Christian Miller – a fourth-round selection out of Alabama and South Carolina native.

Stay tuned to see if the Panthers coaching staff sticks with a hybrid defensive look throughout the preseason and into next year.