4 biggest challenges awaiting the Carolina Panthers in 2021
By Dean Jones
Defensive balance on the Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers made some impressive additions on defense during the offseason. This unit made some great strides as the campaign wore on and if the new recruits can hit the ground running, Phil Snow’s men could emerge as a dominant force in 2021.
However, if the Panthers are to maximize what they have in front of them, then a more balanced approach needs to be found. Snow and head coach Matt Rhule will be working hard on making the necessary adjustments that compliment what they now possess on the roster, which will ultimately determine just how much this group can impact games next season.
Moving away from constant zone coverage would be a good place to start.
The Panthers had some real difficulty getting off the field on third down in 2020 and the likes of Jaycee Horn, Keith Taylor Jr., and A.J. Bouye can improve their options in press coverage moving forward.
Generating pressure was a problem early in the previous campaign and although it got noticeably better over the second half of the season, getting off to a strong start in this area is going to do their chances a significant amount of good.
Improving their run defense is something else that needs addressing.
Derrick Brown should come on a substantial amount after an eye-catching rookie year, with the additions of DaQuan Jones and linebacker Denzel Perryman have the scope to make all the difference.
Finding the right balance is going to be key. Snow got a pass last year – his first play-calling in the NFL. But that won’t be the case this time around.