Al Holcomb – Carolina Panthers interim DC
Much like the situation with Ben McAdoo, the adjustments made by Al Holcomb against the Detroit Lions left reasons for encouragement. The interim defensive coordinator got a huge helping hand from the offense, which allowed a little more aggressiveness that gave quarterback Jared Goff endless problems all afternoon.
This was a step in the right direction for Holcomb, who is fighting to be retained in 2023. Although momentum is building around Steve Wilks to become head coach beyond the current campaign, it remains to be seen whether this will also come with numerous staff changes for good measure.
That’s for the future. All Holcomb and the Carolina Panthers should be worrying about right now is how to counteract the all-around threat posed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Holcomb won’t have the benefit of lockdown cornerback Jaycee Horn. So it’s a case of once again making the best out of a bad situation with the NFC South title in sight.
There’s no doubt Wilks is also set to be a leading part of Carolina’s overall strategy given the ramifications if things go wrong. But Holcomb must rise to the occasion and ready himself for any situation with Tom Brady under center.
Not the easiest proposition. But the veteran signal-caller has demonstrated enough regression to suggest the Panthers can excel if Holcomb puts his defensive stars in the best possible positions to make plays.