Panthers DC Phil Snow must maximize embarrassment of riches in 2021

How can Phil Snow make the most out of an embarrassment of riches on the defensive side of the football for the Carolina Panthers in 2021?

There are plenty of reasons to be encouraged for the Carolina Panthers on defense heading into the 2021 season. The young and talented group made some noticeable strides as the previous campaign went on, so considering the quality acquired by the organization this offseason, it might see them become a dominant unit next time around if everyone hits their individual targets.

This isn’t Phil Snow’s first rodeo. The defensive coordinator might have just one season of NFL play-calling know-how, but his experience across the college system spans decades and something that has the full trust of head coach Matt Rhule.

He didn’t bring him from the college ranks to the Panthers for nothing, after all.

Despite Snow being a little long in the tooth, he’ll have found out plenty about what it takes in a professional environment last season. It was a learning curve for him too and much like the players at his disposal, how the coach adjusts will be key to Carolina’s chances of progression.

Snow has heard the bold claims from Brian Burns and Donte Jackson about their ambitions to dominate next season.

Keeping them on an even keel and working hard throughout training camp is the first objective. But the coordinator also acknowledges that what transpires in the coming weeks before their Week 1 opener against the New York Jets is vital if they want to make some real noise when competitive action gets underway.

"“Talent-wise, we have some guys and some good pieces, but it depends on us now. I never really talk about the opponent much, but I think if we do what we’re supposed to and come out and work every day, practice is really the most important thing we do. And if they’re detailed out here and play hard and physical, then I think everything will fall into place.”"

Carolina Panthers boast an embarrassment of riches on defense in 2021.

There is an embarrassment of riches for Snow to call upon in 2021. The defensive front is led by two studs in Burns and Derrick Brown, with newcomers such as Haason Reddick, Morgan Fox, DaQuan Jones, and fifth-round pick Daviyon Nixon bringing a significant amount to the table.

The arrival of Denzel Perryman from the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency could sure up their linebacking corps and bring about some improved production out of Shaq Thompson in the process.

Depth does appear a little thin at the second level, but the return of Christian Miller from opting out is another positive factor that shouldn’t be ignored.

Jaycee Horn, Keith Taylor Jr., and A.J. Bouye’s ability in press coverage is something that should transform the cornerback unit, with Donte Jackson hoping for an injury-free campaign to earn a lucrative extension next spring.

Moving Jeremy Chinn back to safety has limitless potential. But although it all looks good on paper, Snow is eager for this athletic group of individuals to get it done when it counts during training camp, the preseason, and when business picks up with more on the line.

"“We’re encouraged. … but we’re still not playing football, right? We don’t have pads on, but we’re doing some good things moving around. I think there’s a lot of positive energy when you talk to the players, and there should be. Hopefully we can carry that into camp.”"

Snow knows that keeping everyone’s feet on the ground is of critical importance.

Expectations are high, of that there is little doubt. But it will count for nothing if the work isn’t put in before getting back down to business in 2021.

All the talk is of Carolina’s offense and just how their new quarterback Sam Darnold is going to fare. However, the defense also has its own part to play in helping the signal-caller finally reaching his potential in a different environment.

In all honesty, Darnold’s production could go either way.

But the Panthers can relax safe in the knowledge they have a defense that could be among the league’s best when it’s all said and done.