Re-grading Panthers position groups on defense after 2021 season

How did the Carolina Panthers’ defense shape up despite the organization going through some serious complications in 2021?

In a season for the Carolina Panthers that is better left forgotten on most fronts, one thing stands out. The defense.

While there certainly were struggles and rough patches for the Panthers throughout the year, this defense has the opportunity to be special should the team be able to keep key contributors set to leave in free agency and reinforce a couple of thin positions.

Pass defense was the shining star that many thought it would be this season and before injuries smothered the position, cornerback especially was possibly the most solid group in the NFL.

The largest conundrum is the viability of the run defense.

After starting the season incredibly solid in that aspect, the team looked to forget everything that they knew about stopping a rusher. Bad angles and worse block shedding doomed their efforts after a Week 4 gashing by the Dallas Cowboys.

With that said, the defense was constantly put in terrible positions by an offense that simply could not hold up their end of the bargain. Given a competent offensive attack and a larger field to work with, Phil Snow’s unit very well may be championship-ready.

But while defense wins championships, you have to score points as well.

Without further ado, here are the defensive position re-grades following a 2021 season that descended into chaos following a promising start.