5 Carolina Panthers on the hot seat ahead of Week 2 at NY Giants

Phil Snow – Carolina Panthers DC

Defensive coordinator Phil Snow has gotten a pass so far. This has a lot to do with the focus being on head coach Matt Rhule and the obvious struggles on offense that many perceived were holding a talented young defense back.

Now, the pendulum is shifting.

Snow’s defense looked unprepared and unable to prevent the Cleveland Browns from having their way. Even though it was Jacoby Brissett under center due to Deshaun Watson’s lengthy suspension, the backfield tandem of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt ran all over the Carolina Panthers to the tune of 217 rushing yards and one touchdown from 39 carries.

This is the same run defense that Snow declared was not a problem leading up to the game. So such an inept performance only heightens the spotlight on Carolina’s scheme and whether it is capable of making the necessary adjustments.

These complications are nothing new. It might be a different season, but the same concerns are evident and unless Snow puts his athletic playmakers in better positions, it’s unlikely they’ll have enough to prevent Saquon Barkley from having a substantial impact in Week 2.

Snow is a Rhule loyalist from their time together at Temple and Baylor. But there was so much wrong on Sunday it’s hard to gauge whether or not things will get better anytime soon.