Panthers balance sheet: Strong offseason leaves defense in the black

Will the Carolina Panthers be better on defense?

Get your popcorn ready.

This is going to be a fun defense to watch.

The Carolina Panthers are young, hungry, and capable of dominating with some early momentum. There are some real questions that remain on the offensive side of things, but having a prolific defense should ensure that the organization will remain competitive no matter what.

It’s easy to get carried away during the offseason. Every team thinks they have what it takes to go on a deep postseason run, but the Panthers defense has more going for it than most if Phil Snow maximizes the tools at his disposal.

Someone like Haason Reddick providing pressure opposite Brian Burns is the key component. If the new-look secondary can also turn things around after struggling to get off the field on third down in 2020, there is nothing to suggest Carolina cannot become a top-10 defense or better next season.

This is a lofty goal to aim for.

But there is nothing to suggest this dynamic unit is not capable of such heights.

Carolina’s loyal fanbase can look ahead to the upcoming campaign with excitement and trepidation in equal measure. Their fortunes are on a knife-edge thanks in no small part to suspect protection and another quarterback gamble, but there shouldn’t be much to worry about from a defensive point of view.

As we’ve seen in the past during the days of Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, and Julius Peppers, this can inspire the Panthers to great things.