5 Panthers who’ve blown away expectations at the 2021 midseason point
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers have blown away expectations during the first half of the 2021 season?
We are now through Week 9 and at the midway stage of the 2021 season. One that’s become something of a rollercoaster for the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers haven’t had the hardest of schedules so far. A good start was diminished significantly by a four-game losing run, with their defeat against the New England Patriots on Sunday leaving them at 4-5 heading into a crucial run of fixtures before the bye week.
If Carolina wants to make their presence felt in the postseason for the first time since 2017, then it’s essential some momentum is generated. Otherwise, things are going to be extremely bleak with brutal games almost every week down the stretch.
Slight progress is being made, obviously. But here are five Panthers who’ve blown away expectations through the opening half of the campaign.
Panther No. 1
Phil Snow – Carolina Panthers DC
The Panthers reinforced their defense heavily this offseason. Some established veterans arrived in free agency to bolster a promising 2020 draft class, something that defensive coordinator Phil Snow has schemed incredibly well so far.
This increase in quality for Snow to utilize has enabled him to get much more creative. The experienced figure has Carolina among the top defenses in the league and something that’s kept them in games they’ve no business being in thanks to offensive inefficiency.
It’s a special group that’s really fun to watch. If the Panthers can keep their top stars around and the offense progresses in 2022, they could become a real force.