4 reasons to love the Carolina Panthers’ chances of success in 2021
By Dean Jones
A formidable defensive front
The Carolina Panthers failed to generate significant pressure in opposing backfields during the early part of the 2020 season. This was something that played a leading role in their demise and although things did get better as the campaign went on, the team cannot afford the same sluggish start in pursuit of progression next time around.
Credit to the Panthers, they realized this for themselves and made it a top priority in free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft. Their defensive front now looks far better than it did at any stage last season despite cutting Kawann Short and Zach Kerr in addition to Efe Obada departing for the Buffalo Bills.
Getting a productive presence opposite stud edge rusher Brian Burns was vital. Carolina picked up Haason Reddick on a team-friendly deal that could be worth its weight in gold if the player builds on his 12.5-sack campaign with the Arizona Cardinals in 2020.
Much more is expected of Yetur Gross-Matos in his sophomore year, with defensive tackle Derrick Brown enjoying a fine rookie campaign that is an extremely solid foundation from which to build.
DaQuan Jones, Bravvion Roy, and fifth-round pick Daviyon Nixon will fight for playing time alongside Brown, with the likes of three-technique Morgan Fox, Marquis Haynes, and the returning Christian Miller also set to play a valuable part.
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This unit has the potential to be special providing everyone lives up to their billing. Having better coverage from cornerbacks will also help significantly, so the ceiling could not be higher for Carolina’s defensive front.