4 ways Carolina Panthers defense can make major progress in 2022
By Dean Jones
How can the Carolina Panthers ensure effective progress on the defensive side of things during the 2022 season?
Much has been made of the offensive complications last season. The Carolina Panthers found life extremely difficult moving the chains, which had an adverse impact on a defense that made an exceptional start to the campaign before tailing off.
Staying on the field for so long was always going to come with regression. But the Panthers can relax safe in the knowledge they have some young studs to potentially build around if the offense also lives up to their end of the bargain.
Carolina lost some established defensive veterans in free agency, which has the potential to complicate matters if others don’t raise their respective efforts. However, some exciting coaching changes under Phil Snow and the expected growth of some already on the roster could mean this unit returns to the form we saw over the first few weeks of the season.
With this in mind, here are four ways the Panthers can make major improvements on defense during the 2022 season.
Way No. 1
Carolina Panthers must unleash Derrick Brown
Many fans across social media are already questioning whether or not Derrick Brown is a bust just two years into his professional career. The defensive tackle has been solid since joining the Carolina Panthers, but this season will determine whether or not he can become someone with Pro Bowl or better capabilities.
The Panthers did not draft Brown at No. 7 overall in 2020 for him to be a dependable interior lineman who clogs up space. They were expecting the former Auburn standout to be a true difference-maker, something he has definitely flashed on occasions.
Carolina must do everything in their power to unleash Brown. Especially considering they no longer have Haason Reddick and DaQuan Jones to rely on after both departed in free agency.