3 changes the Panthers coaching staff must make in Week 2 at Giants

Carolina Panthers must conjure pass-rush creativity

The Carolina Panthers’ pass-rush was non-existent for most of their Week 1 outing. Jacoby Brissett had all day to throw and capitalized on his opportunities at crucial times, which also included hitting Donovan Peoples-Jones on critical third-down plays over veteran cornerback Donte Jackson.

The lack of pass rush is not surprising as the Panthers let Hassan Reddick walk in free agency and haven’t filled his spot adequately. He was a huge part of the defense in 2021 with 11 sacks, but those in power felt letting him walk for the Philadelphia Eagles was a risk worth taking.

The loss of Reddick allows for the offense to scheme almost solely on Brian Burns as he is the lone pass rusher on the defense other than Yetur Gross-Matos, who hasn’t proven to be very effective despite flashing on a rotational role.

Carolina’s defensive coordinator Phil Snow banking on Gross-Matos’ development is hampering the team’s ability to get after the quarterback. Something that has to change against the New York Giants and the turnover-prone Daniel Jones.

In the NFL, it’s about protecting and getting after the quarterback. The Panthers didn’t accomplish this feat in their regular season opener, to put it mildly.

Burns had just four pressures according to Pro Football Focus, while Gross-Matos had just one. Neither player registered a sack.

If these two continue in this manner, the Panthers will be in for a long season. That makes it extremely important for Snow to come up with more creativity in pursuit of causing havoc.