Phil Snow isn’t the problem, the Panthers defensive talent is
By Dean Jones
How can Phil Snow improve?
Credit where it’s due, Phil Snow has rectified some of the problems that blighted both the coach and the Carolina Panthers through the first few weeks of the season. The defensive coordinator got a little too cute with his constant changing between 4-3 and 3-4 base schemes early on, which left most players wondering whether they were coming or going.
Getting back to basics was key for a group that is learning as they go. The Panthers weren’t expected to pull up any trees in 2020 so experimentation was always going to be an important part of their development. However, we are now approaching the business end of the season where the improvements are supposed to come to the fore.
Three-man rushes aren’t working, it’s that simple.
Carolina isn’t getting pressure at the best of times and putting more people at the line of scrimmage or coming on the blitz – not less – is going to bring more joy.
Don’t expect to see much more of the zone coverage scheme that seems to be causing complications getting off the field. Teams are acutely aware of the weaknesses within Carolina’s defense and target them accordingly to move the chains.
Whether Snow’s confidence in his options to cover man is preventing him from moving away from this is up for debate. But it’s costing the team in big moments.
Some personnel improvements will help his cause during a pivotal offseason period in 2021 and if the right players come into the Panthers, there will be no more excuses.