3 realistic goals for the Carolina Panthers defense in 2022

Carolina Panthers will finish with a top 10 overall defense

If the Carolina Panthers want to take that next step from good to great on defense in 2022, the young star players under Phil Snow must grow and become more comfortable in this system.

This will allow Snow to dial up more exotic coverages and looks and send blitzes from the secondary with the threat of Brain Burns and Yetur Gross-Matos off the edge. Playing man coverage is also going to help, which will provide a sense of freedom on the front seven in pursuit of making plays.

The veteran additions in the offseason will help to continue their development. Xavier Woods will be a big help in the secondary thanks to his high football IQ he can pass along to Jeremy Chinn, Donte Jackson, and Jaycee Horn, helping them grow in terms of formation recognitions and where offenses want to attack you.

Carolina’s combination of veterans and young stars on this defense with the addition of Steve Wilks as the defensive backs coach. The presence of defensive line coach Paul Pasqualoni has also assisted greatly during the preparation period.

Wilks and Pasqualoni were both defensive coordinators in the NFL, so they know what it takes to have a top defense. With the talent on Carolina’s roster, there should be no excuses for the Panthers not to have a top 10 defense in 2022.