Carolina Panthers: Phil Snow’s task highlighted by Around the NFL

Defensive coordinator Phil Snow has plenty of work to do with the Carolina Panthers at training camp, and this task was highlighted in a recent article on Around the NFL.

Things cannot get much for the Carolina Panthers from a defensive perspective in 2020. They were one of the NFL’s worst in this area of the field last time out. And substantial changes were made across the board with a view to changing their fortunes instantly.

A number of veteran players were shipped out for the greater good. And the Carolina Panthers replaced them with a more athletic group that looks relatively devoid of any prolonged starting experience.

Defensive coordinator Phil Snow will be tasked with leading this group next season. He formed a close relationship with head coach Matt Rhule during their time together in college. But he has been out of the NFL for a long time now.

This is something that could have a detrimental impact on the Panthers’ chances of surprising people in 2020. Their offense is likely to put some significant points on the board. But if their defensive unit doesn’t hold up its end of the bargain, it could be a long campaign in Carolina.

The stiffest of tasks awaiting Snow was highlighted by Around the NFL editor Gregg Rosenthal, who names the coach as one of 13 individuals with the most work to do before kickoff.

Rosenthal picked up on the loss of key players during the offseason. And the prospect of blending in so many rookies on defense with no preseason games is another thing that worried the writer.

"“Snow, a 64-year-old who was last in the NFL as a position coach for the 0-16 Lions, may be inheriting the league’s worst defense. It’s on the new coordinator to integrate Carolina’s entire draft class into a defense with at least seven new starters. The 2019 Panthers’ defense struggled mightily — giving up the second-most points in the league — and now the new coaching staff is tasked with replacing Luke Kuechly, James Bradberry, Mario Addison, Gerald McCoy, Eric Reid and Bruce Irvin in one offseason.“There is front-seven talent to work with in Kawann Short, Brian Burns, Shaq Thompson and top-10 pick Derrick Brown, but the cornerback group is woefully thin. Snow must get a lot of rookies ready in a short amount of time, in a position he’s never held before.”"

Phil Snow must make his presence felt at Carolina Panthers’ training camp.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the magnitude of what Snow has on his plate next season. This will be a trial by fire for the Panthers’ defense. And this is sure to come with its fair share of struggles along the way.

Snow must play to this team’s strengths to get the most out of what he has to work with. Carolina’s defensive options are athletic, versatile, and eager to succeed. And this is something that gives the coordinator plenty of options.

The switch back to a 4-3 base scheme is another thing that will benefit the Panthers. And the tandem of Kawann Short and No. 7 overall pick Derrick Brown on the defensive line interior is something that is sure to transform their run-stopping fortunes.

Carolina is coming up against some elite offenses in 2020 both during their NFC South matchups and throughout the schedule. Things will not be easy by any stretch of the imagination. But if Snow can stamp his mark on the defense and make his presence felt during training camp. It should give them a chance of being competitive.