5 early winners from the Carolina Panthers 2021 offseason program
By Dean Jones
Phil Snow – Carolina Panthers DC
On the subject of defense, there will be no more excuses for Phil Snow in 2021.
The defensive coordinator now has the sort of options that enable almost any scheme to be implemented, which is something Snow was not afforded during his first season play-calling at the next level.
Despite the clear limitations and lack of depth, Snow managed to get this unit progressing gradually to the sort of level that leaves plenty of reasons to be encouraged.
This is a young, dynamic group that flies around the field with ruthless aggression, something that was the cornerstone behind the Carolina Panthers’ success during the 2010s.
The front office did a nice job strengthening problem areas and making the sacrifices needed in free agency. Couple this with some exciting recruits from the college ranks and it’s hard to envisage a situation where Carolina doesn’t become a real force to be reckoned with on the defensive side of the football.
Snow proved to be a little naive at times last season. But it’s easy to forget that 2020 was a learning experience for him too despite his incredible experience working in the college ranks.
If Snow himself can show growth, then Carolina might just have a top-10 defense when it’s all said and done.