4 concerning stats for the Panthers defense in 2020 so far

The Carolina Panthers are giving up an average of 19 first-half points

Another concerning statistic that hasn’t exactly benefitted the Carolina Panthers over the first two weeks is their first-half points allowed, which is 19 on average. This is giving them a mountain to climb and further highlights the importance of coming out of the locker room prepared and ready to go.

Defensive coordinator Phil Snow needs to shoulder some responsibility regarding this issue. He has been too cute from a scheme perspective and trying too much early on clearly isn’t working for this particular group.

One only has to examine the Panthers’ improvements in the second half at the Bucs with a more disciplined formation as a reason why this is the way to go. The last thing this inexperienced group needs is confusion regarding where they are lining up on a specific play, so getting back down to basics and playing to their strengths will stand them in good stead going forward.

Only the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Jets are giving up more first-half points on average than Carolina. Some struggles were expected at the beginning due to a lack of preseason games prior to competitive action getting underway. But there are doubts regarding their ability to improve as the campaign progresses.

This stat is also going to have an adverse effect on the offense if it continues in the coming weeks. So the pressure is truly on for a defense that needs to show resolve.