Carolina Panthers fans are looking forward to a more functional defensive unit after head coach Dave Canales fired Ejiro Evero. It's been long overdue, and although he is widely respected in league circles, the franchise has been considering it for a while.
Just why they extended Evero is anyone's guess, but that's not important now. The onus falls on interim defensive coordinator Todd Wash to get this unit trending up. However, his rescue mission may face immediate limits.
When the Panthers made Evero surplus to requirements, some fans immediately called for his 3-4 system to be abolished from the game-week planning as well. There is certainly merit to that, but it's also just not that simple.
Carolina Panthers shouldn't expect miracles from Todd Wash in the circumstances
Wash could adopt more varied alignments across the line of scrimmage when the situation dictates, but changing the system completely midseason is just not smart.
The personnel has been built around a 3-4 scheme, whether fans like it or not. Even though they can adjust, completely overhauling the schematic concepts when the Panthers have no margin for error is way too big a risk.
There will be differences. But they won't be drastic.
And certainly not when the Panthers are dealing with so many injuries across the defense.
Evero didn't do enough to see the season out. But it's also worth remembering that he never had a fully healthy defense this season, and the lack of depth in certain areas quickly became exposed.
Wash might be able to make more of the options available, but that will be difficult. And it might also restrict him from making the desired changes in such a short timeframe.
Todd Wash must make Carolina Panthers' defense more consistent
Evero's departure adds a fascinating dynamic for Carolina's remaining 10 games. Things won't be any easier this weekend against the Denver Broncos, who are coming off a last-gasp victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Even so, some fresh ideas and Evero's stubborn presence being gone could be enough to galvanize the group.
At the very least, becoming more stout against the run should be a minimum requirement.
The Panthers had some nice moments under Evero this season, but they also capitulated with some embarrassing efforts. Finding a happy medium should be the primary goal, and Canales is counting on this bold change in direction to spark something special for this group.
And with the Panthers sitting at 3-4 on a two-game losing run after the bye week, the time for half-measures is over.
Wash will have his own ideas. But there isn't much time to implement them.
Expecting miracles would be extremely unfair. But if Wash can make Carolina's defense more competitive and consistent, that might be enough before potential big changes during the offseason.
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