Panthers: 3 goals for Tahir Whitehead to get a long-term deal
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers Goal No. 1: 90+ solo tackles for Tahir Whitehead
One area where Tahir Whitehead excels is tackling. He possesses superb instincts to be around the ball consistently. And he packs a punch with his hits that tend to get players to the ground at the first attempt.
This is something that Carolina Panthers will need behind their defensive line. Their run defense was concerning, to say the least in 2019. But it would be a surprise if improvements were not made in this area.
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Whitehead has accumulated 461 solo tackles during his eight-year career. He boasts a season-high of 99 during his time with the Detroit Lions in 2016. And getting in this region is a goal he can aspire to next time around.
The player has solo tackle totals of 79, 89, and 78 over his last three seasons. So the consistency is there for all to see.
What Whitehead lacks in coverage, he more than makes up for in physical presence. And he will need to show this early and often in order to convince the Panthers that he is worth keeping around long-term.
Getting 90-plus solo tackles next season seems like a realistic objective. Carolina is reverting back to a 4-3 base scheme under Phil Snow. And this will enable Whitehead to see plenty of action at the second level.
Whitehead is the wrong side of 30 now. But he still looks to have plenty left in the tank providing he plays to his strengths in 2020.