Hall of Famer claims Panthers are ‘tailor-made’ for Tom Brady

Shannon Sharpe thinks the Carolina Panthers are ‘tailor-made’ for Tom Brady.

Coming up against such a legendary quarterback such as Tom Brady is always a tough ask despite the player’s advancing years. But given the Carolina Panthers are on a four-game losing slump, it doesn’t represent the best of situations for them to be going into.

They are set to be without the services of Christian McCaffrey, who suffered a shoulder injury at the Chiefs and is “week-to-week”, according to multiple reports. This won’t exactly do the Carolina Panthers any favors as they get set to host a Buccaneers team who will be looking to put things right after getting outclassed 38-3 at the Saints on Sunday Night Football.

Expectations have never been higher in Tampa Bay, which is largely down to Brady’s arrival. This has only been heightened by the free-agent arrival of Antonio Brown following his eight-game suspension on an offense that is already loaded with playmakers.

It’s another tough test for Carolina’s roster during what’s been a brutal schedule so far. But it will be another steep learning curve for them, either way.

Shannon Sharpe is concerned about the Carolina Panthers pass-rush.

Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe gave his thoughts on Brady coming up against the Panthers defense in another big NFC South divisional matchup, claiming on Undisputed that Carolina’s distinct lack of production regarding getting after the quarterback as the primary reason why this is a matchup that favors the perennial Super Bowl winner.

"“He (Brady) can’t play any worse than he did on Sunday. But this matchup with the Carolina Panthers is perfect and he won’t get a better one. Carolina has nine sacks this season and 24 quarterback hits, so it’s tailor-made for Tom. They don’t rush the passer well and Brady should have all day to pick them apart. They’ve got some nice pieces on offense and Teddy (Bridgewater) is playing really well, making good decisions. The Panthers have lost four games now by one score and I know this, Brady better win this one.”"

It’s hard to argue Sharpe’s point regarding the Panthers pass-rush. If the pressure isn’t being generated by Brian Burns, then it generally doesn’t come at all.

Second-round pick Yetur Gross-Matos is officially back after a high ankle sprain and was gradually phased back into the rotation in Week 9, so if he can make more of an impression with increased reps it should further assist the Panthers in this regard.

As is the case with Drew Brees, getting Brady off the spot is critical to Carolina’s chances of ending their recent slide. But just how they’re going to cover some truly exceptional weapons in the passing attack remains to be seen.

Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Scotty Miller, Brown, and Rob Gronkowski should all be active at Bank of America Stadium, which has the potential to kill the Panthers if they cannot find some way to unsettle Brady in the pocket. Defensive coordinator Phil Snow needs to get creative and avoid using three-man rushes wherever possible despite the obvious threat in the passing game.

Phil Snow isn’t the problem, the Panthers defensive talent is

The problem with the Carolina Panthers defense is not down to defensive coordinator Phil Snow, it's the distinct lack of talent at his disposal.

It might be another long afternoon in Carolina if things don’t go their way early. But this group has proven more than capable of mixing it with the most talented of teams so far this season.