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Should CMC be our return man?
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Brian Baldinger on NFL Network (per Tim Weaver on Panthers Wire): "I feel like they're building a monster on that side of the ball right now and I think that's how they have to play," Baldinger stated. "They have to play like they can shut teams down this year. I think it's on them to really guide this team right now." https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/panthers/2026/05/22/panthers-nfl-offseason-defense-brian-baldinger/90215555007/ So, do you believe him? Today, May 25, I do believe Baldy without any evidence otherwise. I think it's much more likely for our defense to take another marked leap (right into the top 10) than our, basically, bottom-third offense. In my mind, Lee Hunter is a literal and figurative huge addition up front, and right behind him is perhaps our biggest exclamation point on defense: Devin Lloyd. Lloyd's experience and track record of solid production should be the anchor of our defense that should help lift the floor of the entire unit. No more getting gashed on runs, eh? But, as important as Lloyd will be, the most prolific addition to the defense could be Jaelen Phillips. In my opinion, whether or not the Panthers can demonstrably show that the defensive squad, and perhaps the team in general, is actually ready to assert itself as a perennial postseason presence lies within its ability to credibly rush passers. Phillips was paid handsomely to produce results. Now I know that most of you are probably thinking that sacks are the key. Moreover, I'm not one that is even going to tell you that his pressures are the key (you know, since Phillips's pressure rate has been highlighted over perhaps pedestrian sack numbers). The key, at least in my mind, will be the marked growth of Nic Scourton and/or Princely Umanmielen. I really do believe that they are the understated X factors that the "success" of our season may depend upon. I'm not worried about the interior (perhaps over-optimistically so). I'm also not too concerned with our corners, as they are quietly one of the best duos in the league. Sure, the safety position has more question marks, Trevon Moering is an exclamation point, and Nick Scott, though less of an exclamation point, still has plenty of experience. With the infusion of youth, size, length and energy, I can see a good mix that will result in positives from the DBs once Ejiro Evero figures everything out. And, we should all know, a credible pass rush provides the defensive backfield with opportunities to shine, and this is but another reason why I believe that Scourton and maybe Umanmielen will be key to taking up residence in the postseason. On an off note, and as a reminder, if the defense is doing its job effectively maintaining momentum with field position, if not outright laying down the pathway with short fields and such, this should make it easier for Bryce Young and the offense to effect points on the board in terms of TDs. Where the defense goes, the offense will have every opportunity to follow. -
By PNW_PantherMan · Posted
Its gonna be loud as hell in Montreal tonight. But don't make any big turnovers or defensive lapses and I like our chances. -
By Panthers Fan 69 · Posted
Canes need to get one of these two away games. Would prefer both but get 1. Go back to Raleigh 2-2. Win that one. Then you only need one of the next two. I saw a different level of focus I’ve never seen from the canes in ECF since 06. Also, Montreal has been bad at home in the playoffs. Get on them early, win the game.
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