4 crucial Carolina Panthers observations at the 2022 bye week

Carolina Panthers’ defense can be great

Despite the Carolina Panthers winning just four games in 2022 so far, there are more than enough reasons to suggest vast improvements can be made in the not-too-distant future. There is the obvious complication at quarterback that needs resolving, but other areas are developing nicely and leave real hope for the future.

One could point to the exceptional offensive line development or the progress made on special teams under Chris Tabor. However, the defense has also caught the eye significantly on occasions and especially over the last few weeks after their poor effort at the Cincinnati Bengals.

Al Holcomb has done a nice job after Steve Wilks opted to let long-time Matt Rhule loyalist Phil Snow also depart. There is a superb spine in place on a defense anchored by the outstanding Derrick Brown, who’s coming of age into one of the more consistent defensive tackles anywhere in football.

Brian Burns’ emergence into an elite pass-rusher is almost complete. Frankie Luvu’s energy at the second level is an ongoing positive and Jaycee Horn looks every bit the shutdown cornerback Carolina drafted him to become at No. 8 overall in 2021.

There are a couple of additions that would further assist, such as finding another consistent defensive end and a long-term solution at middle linebacker. But the overall consistency on defense is something that can form the foundations for a successful future.