4 key stats that could regress for the Carolina Panthers in 2022

Carolina Panthers’ yards per rushing attempt allowed

• 4.1 in 2021 (8th in NFL)

One of the biggest improvements made by the Carolina Panthers in 2021 was their run defense. This was more evident over the first half of the season before the unit regressed down the stretch thanks in no small part to the amount of time they all spent on the field.

Much will depend on whether the offense can make the improvements needed. If they can, then it is sure to help Phil Snow get the most out of the gifted young defenders at his disposal.

There are some slight concerns about whether Carolina can match the 4.1 yards per rushing attempt allowed when competitive action begins once again. They no longer have the services of defensive tackle DaQuan Jones after he signed for the Buffalo Bills in free agency, and we’ve already spoken about Haason Reddick’s departure and the lingering effect that may occur from not keeping him on the books.

Derrick Brown has an enormous amount of pressure on his shoulders next season. The Auburn product must take a giant stride forward and leave no doubt that the Panthers were right to take him No. 7 overall, but he needs to set the tone immediately and maintain a high level of consistency throughout the campaign.

Getting Frankie Luvu into the starting lineup should assist the second level with the right energy. But it’s hard to gauge one way or another just how they’ll fare in this particular key statistic.