Carolina Panthers: Moving to a 4-3 defense is the right call
By Dean Jones
Why a 4-3 defense is the right call
The Carolina Panthers’ defensive front now has the scope to be one of the best in the NFL following the arrival of Derrick Brown. Putting him at the side of Kawann Short is going to do his early development a significant amount of good, providing the Pro Bowler returns from a serious shoulder injury at full health.
This duo on the interior represents a real problem for opposing offensive lines. It might also have an impact on divisional round matchups. Especially when one considers how much the New Orleans Saints struggled against interior rush in the NFL Playoff against the Minnesota Vikings when Mike Zimmer moved Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen to the defensive tackle spot.
They warrant significant attention, and this could leave some additional room to work for Brian Burns and Stephen Weatherly. Burns showed enormous promise as a rookie on his way to 7.5 sacks and more is expected in 2020 with an embarrassment of riches around him.
Weatherly is a big free-agent signing who is going to thrive with additional time on the field. The player performed well in a rotational role with the Minnesota Vikings in 2019 to record 2.5 sacks, 24 tackles, and a forced fumble from 38 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.
Moving to a 4-3 will also benefit the secondary. There is real potential for the Panthers to get sustainable pressure from their four-man front next season. This would leave additional bodies available in coverage that would aid any incoming college recruits.
The linebacking corps will also get a welcome boost from having such imposing figures playing ahead of them. Tahir Whitehead provides a solid short-term option after arriving from the Las Vegas Raiders and Shaq Thompson now has the chance to become the undisputed leader of the Panthers’ defense following Luke Kuechly’s retirement.
Related Story. Brown, Burns and Short will thrive in 2020. light
The 4-3 switch represents a sensible move from Rhule, who has made an encouraging start to his head coaching career in difficult circumstances. If the unit can live up to its potential, then they are going to cause some problems going forward.