4 reasons the Panthers will be better in 2020 than last season
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers Reason No. 2: The return of Kawann Short
Kawann Short was missed severely by the Carolina Panthers last season. The imposing defensive tackle was forced onto the injured reserve list with a torn rotator cuff after only two games. And the defense struggled significantly in his absence.
The Pro Bowler is a commanding force against the run. And this is an area that the Panthers had one of the NFL’s worst statistics in this category without their primary interior playmaker.
Short is making a return to full health in 2020. And this can only mean good things going forward for Carolina’s defensive front. The rest may have inadvertently done his body the world of good overall. So it would be a huge surprise if the player didn’t get back to something like his best in 2020.
Another massive boost for Short is the presence of No. 7 overall pick Derrick Brown alongside him. The former Auburn standout was one of the top prospects entering the league this year. And this duo should cause opposing offensive lines an untold amount of problems.
Related Story. Carolina Panthers: How Kawann Short can help Derrick Brown. light
Having Short back and firing on all cylinders has the potential to completely transform the Panthers’ defensive fortunes. This might be the last season that the player turns out for the organization. And he will want to make the most out of every snap.
Short is set to count $20.83 million against the salary cap in 2021. With the resources available set to come down to around $175 million due to a lack of revenue in the current climate. It is simply not prudent for the franchise to have him around at this sort of price.