3 strengths the Carolina Panthers can depend on in 2020

Defensive tackle duo

To say things were disappointing from the Carolina Panthers’ run defense in 2019 would be something of an understatement. They were one of the NFL’s worst statistically. And this played a significant role in their eventual 5-11 record.

Things promise to be far different next time around. The Panthers welcome back returning veteran Kawann Short from a torn rotator cuff that ended his season prematurely. And his presence was sorely missed.

The Pro Bowler is looking good at training camp so far. Short has worked exceptionally hard to recover well from the serious injury. And a big campaign could be in the offing for a player who could be entering his final year in Carolina.

The organization also made the decision to allocate the No. 7 overall pick on Derrick Brown. He arrives at the next level with the highest of ceilings. And the former Auburn standout is expected to form a highly productive tandem with Short in 2020.

If this duo builds necessary chemistry from the outset, then it is going to do the Panthers’ hopes of being competitive an endless amount of good. Teams are going to find it hard running up the middle against two powerful adversaries. And their presence on the interior should free up space for Stephen Weatherly and Brian Burns on the outside.

This is one of the more dependable areas of the field for the Panthers. Brown and Short could be a devastating combination. And their production is going to be critical.