4 critical observations from Panthers’ loss vs. Browns in Week 1
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers DC Phil Snow’s seat is starting to warm up
The one Carolina Panthers coordinator heading into the season seemingly with their job the safest was Phil Snow. However, after a tough afternoon at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, it’s fair to say that the seat while not as hot as head coach Matt Rhule’s, is certainly starting to warm up.
Snow was chippy with reporters in the week when asked how Carolina would improve against the run, an area in which they struggled in 2021. One would think those comments from the defensive coordinator would be backed up on the field.
Instead, fears were realized. The Cleveland Browns’ offense exploded for 217 total rushing yards on 39 carries, which is an average of more than 5.5 yards per play.
We also saw the Panthers’ front seven on defense create very little pressure on backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, getting just a single sack courtesy of linebacker Damien Wilson. Considering this was a team missing their first and second-choice right tackles, this particular statistic was extremely disappointing.
The Panthers also struggled on third down giving up 8-18 and 1-2 on fourth down. While there’s no indication Snow will lose his job, the experienced coach is now in Year 3 and the fact Carolina is still having problems against the run is a major complication that must be rectified somehow before going up against Saquon Barkley next weekend.