Carolina Panthers: 4 big takeaways from Phil Snow’s virtual presser

Importance of defensive tackle rotation for the Carolina Panthers

Big things are expected of the Carolina Panthers defensive front next season. The group looks loaded with players that can get into the opposing backfield consistently. And their run-stopping should also show a marked improvement after a dismal 2019.

The franchise allocated their No. 7 overall pick on former Auburn standout Derrick Brown. And they will also get veteran Pro Bowler Kawann Short back from a torn rotator cuff that cut his season short last time out.

They will be backed up by the likes of Bravvion Roy and Woodrow Hamilton. And there is the intriguing option of putting Efe Obada onto the interior given his size and athleticism.

Phil Snow highlighted the importance of rotation at the defensive tackle position. This improves their chances of being productive throughout the campaign rather than running the risk of wear and tear as the season goes on.

"“We’ve always played more people than everybody else that we’ve played. So as the season goes, we are actually a better team late in the year because we have kept guys fresher and more people have played. The other advantage it gives you when more people play — when a player goes down, it’s not a big deal. Now, it is a big deal, injuries always are, but the next guy is plugged in because he’s probably played some and you feel real comfortable. So the rotation up front’s really important. You have to rotate. You can’t have these big guys that weigh (300 to 330 pounds) in there every snap. You’re going to wear them down, especially over the course of a 16-game schedule. So the rotation will be big in there (and for) the whole group. It’ll be interesting to see how many guys we can rely on to play.”"

Although Brown and Short will see the majority of snaps, and rightfully so. Keeping them fresh and firing on all cylinders has the potential to be a shrewd move.

This becomes more essential when one considers Short’s health problems last season. And the player is now the wrong side of 30 which could also work against him.