The Carolina Panthers had a defensive performance they never want to have happened or speak of again. And against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2, they can't let that happen again.
Allowing 552 total yards, 291 of them on the ground, and 59 points to the Chicago Bears is terrible, at best. The Panthers struggled to contain quarterback Caleb Williams, leaving two questions: what the defense needs to succeed and whether defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is a viable coach to keep on staff.
The issues seem correctable, but it may require patience, as a couple of key defensive linemen on the mend could resolve some of the Panthers' biggest issues.
Why the Carolina Panthers are missing Tershawn Wharton and Patrick Jones II
Last Sunday, multiple containment breakdowns added to the pain, with Patrick Jones II and Nic Scouton out. The latter is out for the year, while Jones (back) is questionable for this weekend against the Falcons, and his presence could be a welcome addition.
Jones is an explosive pass rusher who brings the size, physicality, and edge-setting ability to help address some of the Panthers' edge issues against the run. He could’ve helped against the Bears when they attacked Princely Umanmielen’s side of the field consistently.
The veteran outside linebacker would also offer the discipline to play containment against mobile quarterbacks in the coming games, but his value remains in the run game this weekend, especially against Bijan Robinson.
However, another player on the defensive front is sorely missed, even if some don’t think so.
Defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton may be general manager Dan Morgan’s worst signing, and he remains on the non-football injury list with a neck complication he suffered after the NFL Draft this past spring.
Given how aggressive Evero was with his pressures — 23 against the Bears — Wharton’s ability as a pass rusher from the 3-technique and 5-technique would give the Panthers more versatility up front while also helping with containment.
Wharton is better suited to pass-down situations, and the Panthers have done a great job of building out their run defense from the interior with Lee Hunter and the development of Cam Jackson.
That way, the former Kansas City Chiefs defender wouldn’t have the pressure of being placed in gap-and-a-half situations against the run.
Jones's potential return this weekend and Wharton's eventual return in the coming weeks would give the Panthers good depth in the middle and at the edges of their defensive front, just in time for their month-and-a-half-long stretch of games against some of the league’s best teams.
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