The Carolina Panthers could reap significant rewards by moving to a 4-3 defense in 2020 following the arrival of Derrick Brown.
Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule outlined his intention to switch the defense to a 4-3 scheme in 2020. This represents a welcome move and one that should benefit the defensive playmakers on the roster considerably.
The news of a change in style came after the Panthers selected Auburn defensive tackle, Derrick Brown, with the NFL Draft’s seventh overall pick. Rhule plans to slot the player alongside veteran Kawann Short on their interior.
This represents a formidable duo that has the potential to wreak havoc in 2020. Second-year professional Brian Burns will look to build on a positive rookie campaign at one of the defensive end spots.
Free-agent signing Stephen Weatherly is poised for a starting role on the opposite end after signing a two-year, $12.5 million deal to prize him away from the Minnesota Vikings. This included a $4 million signing bonus and $6.25 million guaranteed.
With Marquis Haynes and Zach Kerr also set to bolster their pass-rushing prowess, Rhule told the Panthers website that the team’s ability to get to the quarterback played a key role in the change.
"“We’ll be more of a base 4-3. You know the way the NFL’s going, even the 3-4 teams, half the game they’re in a four-down front anyway. To us, I thought Marty (Hurney) did a great job putting the ends together last year. You had Brian Burns and (Marquis) Haynes, picked up Stephen Weatherly who we think has a chance to be a really good starter. Now, you have KK (Short), we picked up Zach Kerr, so I think what we’re trying to do is get guys who can be dominant forces. When you look at our ability to stop the run, that starts with D-Line, and I think that he’ll help us a great deal.”"
This is definitely a case of playing to Carolina’s strengths. They are lacking serious linebacker and secondary depth currently. Although this is something they expect to boost over the next two days of the NFL Draft.
With little salary cap space to make a notable veteran signing, general manager Marty Hurney will have to work his magic once again to pick up the right sort of player who can immediately contribute.
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.
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.