Jump to content
  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

4 Questions for the Defense Going into 2021


CarolinaLivin
 Share

Recommended Posts

1. Can the pass rush build on their 2020 momentum?

 

This team only tallied 29 sacks last season, tied with the Falcons for 24th in the NFL. That might lead one to believe they have a weak pass rush, but that number is misleading. For one thing, sacks are notoriously fickle and often vary wildly from year to year. More importantly, the Panthers’ pass rush came on strong down the stretch in 2020, a positive indicator for how they’ll perform this year.

The best example was the matchup against the Packers, when they effectively swarmed Aaron Rodgers and shut him down – holding the eventual league MVP to just 143 passing yards while racking up five sacks. It was a breakout game for rookie DT Derrick Brown, who had two. If Brown picks up where he left off and Yetur Gross-Matos has better luck with his health, a huge boost in production is possible. They’ve also added Haason Reddick to the mix, who posted 12.5 sacks last season.

Even if Reddick can’t repeat that stat, his presence makes this a more potent unit overall, which is critical. Strong pass-rushing teams like Tampa last year benefit from a cumulative effect – the more weapons a defense has up front, the easier it us for any one of them to get to the QB. If the Panthers can get that kind of dynamic going, it will help burgeoning superstar Brian Burns unleash his awesome potential.

2. Are they really ready for more man defense?

 

Effective defense is a two-way street and the front-seven certainly has to do their part. That said, the best way for this group to improve will be getting more consistent coverage on the back end.

Part of that will come down to new pieces like first-round pick Jaycee Horn living up to the hype. Horn will be starting Week 1 opposite Donte Jackson and likely cover the other team’s top receiver. Even with Julio Jones mercifully out of the division, that’s a daunting prospect for a rookie DB in the NFC South. He will still have to contend with the likes of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown, Michael Thomas and Calvin Ridley.

Even if Horn is a lock-down corner right away, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Panthers can effectively play more man defense. After all, Horn is only one guy and somebody else will have to cover freakish, mismatch-creating athletes like Kyle Pitts, Rob Gronkowski and Alvin Kamara.

The big question is determining just how much man coverage this unit can handle. Matt Patricia's Lions were an excellent example of what can happen when teams stubbornly stick with man without the right personnel. Defensive coordinator Phil Snow might have to adjust fast depending on the results.

3. What's the right combination at cornerback?

 

Yesterday we learned from the Athletic’s reporting that the Panthers told veteran cornerback AJ Bouye he's needed at nickel back. While he seems invigorated by the challenge, Bouye has spent pretty much his entire career in the NFL on the outside, which makes this an interesting decision. Bouye will miss thefirst two games of the year due to a PED suspension, which gives Snow a chance to evaluate other options in the slot. That could be critical if Bouye winds up struggling inside when he joins the lineup.

From where we’re sitting, the best option to cover the slot currently on the roster is Donte Jackson, whose aggressive instincts and athleticism have served him well outside. However, Jackson’s size has been an issue at times and he might thrive with a chance to play the nickel spot. Flipping Jackson and Bouye’s roles might be the answer.

Whatever Snow decides, the important thing is to keep tinkering until he finds a combination that works.

4. Who takes Tre Boston's former spot?

 

Last but certainly not least, Carolina’s defense has one more huge personnel need to fill: that being the gigantic hole at free safety left behind by Tre Boston’s inexplicable release.

For most of the offseason, there’s been no true free safety on the roster. That may change this week, though. According to Pro Football Talk, the team has invited Ha HA Clinton-Dix for a minicamp tryout. At this stage of his career (96 regular season games played), Clinton-Dix is far from a perfect solution, but he’s definitely a better choice than Juston Burris, Kenny Robinson and the other contenders to take over at this position. In any case, rolling into Week 1 with the current group seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

If Clinton-Dix isn’t the answer, other notable free agents worth considering include Malik Hooker and Earl Thomas.

 

  • Pie 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites


1. Can the pass rush build on their 2020 momentum?
Yes.  Yes it will.

2. Are they really ready for more man defense?
Yes.  Yes we are.

3. What's the right combination at cornerback?
Bouye to slot?  Seems Djax should be there, but I know he wants to get paid.  Bouye to slot should work.

4. Who takes Tre Boston's former spot?
 Burris had 53 tackles, 4 pass deflections and an interception in 13 games last year. His pff is 55 fwiw.    

Clinton-Dix had  65 tackles, and two ints in 2019.  He was out last year.  74 pff fwiw 

 XFL prospect Kenny Robinson was drafted in the 5th, waived, then signed PS, then signed to the active roster in late October.  He saw the field in 9 games, mostly special teams, and has 1 assisted tackle.

By far our weakest  position on D.  We may not be done looking here yet.

  • Pie 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think we have good players starting and a lot of depth.  This is going to give Snow plenty of flexibility to do things we didn't or were unable to do last year.

This defense is going to be fun to watch.  If they can make it difficult for teams to score.

Darnold might be able to lead us to several wins because our defense has kept the score low.

  • Pie 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pressure needs to turn to sacks or a broken play. All too often those pressures ended up being a positive play for the opposing offense. That is not ‘misleading’ to me (?).

Add that to the horrible run defense. Panther allowed more average rushing yards than 28 other teams.

Aside form pressure, Panthers were in the bottom 4 for INTs. That’s really bad.

The backfield is certainly lacking but it won’t really matter if teams continue to run right through the Dline.

Edited by onmyown
  • Beer 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, CarolinaLivin said:

1. Can the pass rush build on their 2020 momentum?

Good questions!

I hope (expect?!) that a strengthened Secondary will really help the pass rush giving them those extra split seconds to go from "nearly a sack" to a sack, or at least a QB hit / hurry and a disruption of the play.

 

Which leads to your question 2 about playing more press-man coverage.  We REALLY need to, and given how JayCee Horn has been described, I think we'll all feel cheated if we don't see more man coverage.  It's been a big weakness of our defense for a few years and I've grown quite excited about Horn's being picked at #8 if it means we'll have a more aggressive defense and can get off the field on 3rd & long.  I'm glad Fitterer and the Front Office acknowledged the weakness and seem to be trying to do something about it!

  • Pie 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Of course we can get more pressure. We just need a better scheme than rushing 3 folks.  Can we play more man? I thought the answer was yes with Aboye potentially outside but with Donte alligator arms Jackson I am not sure.  Then again we will likely play zone and man. Can't just play one  coverage exclusively.

I thought we were trying Chinn at free safety and this wasn't mentioned at all. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We lead the league in cover 3 last year.  We will play more man.   But I doubt we actually play a lot of man.   More coming from where we were doesn’t translate to a lot vs the rest of the league.  At least in 2021. . 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share


  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Medallion Greens CBD Gummies Promotes Healthy Sleep   Stress, fear, and persistent ache are just a few of the various causes of sleep disruptions and insomnia that many human beings face. By fun the body and mind, slowing racing thoughts, and inspiring rest, Medallion Greens CBD Gummies can help with the promotion of accurate sleep styles, higher sleep, and an better fine of lifestyles.         NEWS: https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/infotainment/article/medallion-greens-cbd-gummies-hoax-or-legitimate-vitacore-cbd-gummies-23334743 https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/infotainment/article/bioheal-cbd-gummies-is-it-hox-or-real-bio-heal-cbd-gummies-complaints-dr-oz--23331787 https://originweb2.mid-day.com/lifestyle/infotainment/article/joint-plus-cbd-gummies-controversial-warning-peak-8-cbd-gummies-exposed-thc--23338004 https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/infotainment/article/joint-plus-cbd-gummies-controversial-warning-peak-8-cbd-gummies-exposed-thc--23338004 https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/essential-cbd-gummies-australia-reviews-is-it-really-work-or-not-essential-cbd-gummies-new-zealand-price-essential-cbd-gummies-south-africa-scam-alert--news-250469 https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/essential-cbd-gummies-australia-exposed-formula-chemist-warehouse-cbd-gummies-australia-is-it-work-or-scam-essential-cbd-gummies-price-news-248585 https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/brand-connect/essential-cbd-gummies-australia-reviews-is-it-really-work-or-not-essential-cbd-gummies-new-zealand-price-essential-cbd-gummies-south-africa-scam-alert-468338 https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/infotainment/article/sera-labs-cbd-gummies-fraudulent-exposed-2023-anatomy-one-cbd-gummies-work-23293809 https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/infotainment/article/vigor-vita-cbd-gummies-controversial-warning-2024-hoax-exposed-vitacore-cbd--23326985 https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/infotainment/article/gentlewave-cbd-gummies-controversial-warning-2023-24-hoax-exposed-gentle-wave--23324428 https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/infotainment/article/chemist-warehouse-cbd-gummies-australia-fraudulent-exposed-2023-smart-hemp-23293224 https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/infotainment/article/vigor-vita-cbd-gummies-controversial-warning-2024-hoax-exposed-vitacore-cbd--23326985 https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/infotainment/article/vigor-vita-cbd-gummies--does-it-work-or-not-beware-exposed-2024-organicore-cbd-23327880   FACEBOOK : https://www.facebook.com/TheMedallionGreensCBDGummies/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Medallion-Greens-CBD-Gummies/61556037701836/   READ MORE : https://www.50statecoalition.com/group/50-state-coalition-group/discussion/c31fa826-edb7-4a36-a946-0bcf08d85ebc https://www.missionroadboutique.com/group/mission-road-boutiqu-group/discussion/06957c09-1887-4e3f-b5d4-3c983007ccd3 https://publuu.com/flip-book/448903/1012322 https://medallion-greens-cbd-gummies-6a4cba.webflow.io/ https://www.myrtlebeastocr.com/group/gear-accessories/discussion/00cdeca6-33a0-4928-abbd-19ff7955867b https://www.irvac.org/group/mysite-200-group/discussion/15f1dad3-045e-4862-b56d-fa21871713ee https://www.eventbrite.com/e/medallion-greens-cbd-gummies-consumer-reports-2024-scam-or-legit-tickets-873751102067 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/medallion-greens-cbd-gummies-critical-warning-2024-medallion-greens-cbd-gummies-scam-or-legit-tickets-873747110127 https://medium.com/@usmedallioncbd/medallion-greens-cbd-gummies-cdd939a4aebd https://medallionmillen.footeo.com/news/2024/02/19/medallion-greens-cbd-gummies-does-it-work-or-not-beware-exposed https://paidforarticles.com/medallion-greens-cbd-gummies-reviews-controversial-news-2024-shocking-side-effects-alert-2024-cus-1-775132 https://medium.com/@usmedallioncbd/medallion-greens-cbd-gummies-cdd939a4aebd https://medallionmillen.footeo.com/news/2024/02/19/medallion-greens-cbd-gummies-does-it-work-or-not-beware-exposed https://paidforarticles.com/medallion-greens-cbd-gummies-reviews-controversial-news-2024-shocking-side-effects-alert-2024-cus-773557 https://paidforarticles.com/top-cbd-gummies-medallion-greens-cbd-gummies-773840 https://paidforarticles.com/what-do-you-find-in-medallion-greens-cbd-gummies-hoax-or-legitimate-773842    
    • Bliss Bites CBD Gummies OFFICIAL WEB: https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/infotainment/article/bliss-bites-cbd-gummies-critical-report-honest-customer-warning-must-read-23340169 https://www.mid-day.com/hotspot/article/life-boost-cbd-gummies-criticl-customer-warning-must-read-before-buy-264 https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/829f9398-1efc-45e5-bf01-7831bae5ae2c https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/fd8b36cd-2622-4d27-af5f-bdb9d9b577ec. https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/b404ff78-33f9-46cb-8690-a7a384a84b6f. https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/c25853e6-b8b5-4428-8e29-076488085250 https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/74751674-d223-4e4f-a502-3e138aaf9327 https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/ac5ffd2e-04a4-44c1-b049-2bacdaccc69c https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/cfefa2f6-1bc2-44ae-a2f0-cf882ecc09de https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/f013b12b-15c6-41b6-8527-d2c27bd895a7 https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/476d3150-3a17-423f-8605-77d78189ae08 https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/00326057-b535-46ba-90a1-f3df5a7c7841 https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/a5ab4f84-66f0-4c2e-a21a-fb14cabd5a79 https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/e53c1841-33ba-4cab-98dd-0e1e73bef61d https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/eceaf70a-200f-4bb9-9c36-2b020f3f6cc7 https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/0fd036c6-d3ce-4b40-9565-63bbf2a22ea6 https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/8a07e043-3fd7-45e1-9ca1-d12a81cba838 https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/5bfc1893-0105-4c61-9039-e5dff60c28a3 https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/9148d545-c017-48f4-919f-e8b28961116e https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/3f713878-246a-46ce-9d81-312a371ff1f9 https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/283c8719-d92d-48b5-b00e-319e121d9037 https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/77d205af-c1a1-4099-ace3-41f43b92efed https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/5337481c-bbec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/45b1c16e-bbec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/dd55c5d3-bbec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/support-forum/c9527fef-bbec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/4141b244-bcec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/a8927766-bcec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/cb6143b3-bcec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/1f0e17e5-bcec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/56e1f63f-bdec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/51901168-bdec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/8fd2c112-bfec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/39232750-bfec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/8cca2224-be50-41eb-b0e2-c75eabb30368 https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/4a2ab5db-8df2-4552-85a3-21a374ad1e40 https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/73148af9-c222-4fa9-9cff-24e56a11f869 https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/c82470af-fc85-4565-84b3-1abe96e32b24 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/1b20a232-c2ec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/413f9944-c2ec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/0c546d0e-202c-4022-b522-fa479ba35e18 https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/bde42fb8-815f-44b3-beb2-efc23aede1b6 https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/a269803c-93de-4748-986e-8e0cdfff2721 https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/7c1d38d9-e798-499b-b1f3-26ea1bc42c27 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/0c7089a3-c3ec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/0c699ab9-c3ec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/91830c69-4680-412a-b9d2-3a7699a2d291 https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/74f76e6e-fdb2-4afa-877a-f0f2a0d68c7c https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/cec12f3d-6d42-4a84-91f2-f7d88e087042 https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/e72806a4-9638-4ef2-b9cd-8e48db7c8edb https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/d9310ec6-c5ec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/f66245e5-c5ec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/55004cdd-35dd-46e3-80f3-b3eff0931f7b https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/f8702988-9e76-4650-8b92-ba874a017a84 https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/48255e24-a3a4-44f2-b50f-4fa81105ff85 https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/c86bcc63-5921-4380-9be1-e7c79ae921d2 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/1f06a86f-c7ec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://enavate.microsoftcrmportals.com/forums/general-discussion/74d87e80-c7ec-ee11-a73c-0022484d9402 https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/6849d4f3-30ac-4696-8a22-83d844f6ba26 https://www.latinoleadmn.org/group/leadership-action-team/discussion/4ff18735-7187-4e8f-8d5e-cb0374f8f37d https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/5b51ab91-b711-421a-91a6-b09e21555f0f https://www.theendhtx.com/group/the-end-community/discussion/66eef2bb-b5dc-45ab-8686-ae0196203a28 https://www.facebook.com/GetMakersCBDGummies/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeBoostCBDGummiesTry/ https://www.facebook.com/N300Gummies/ https://www.facebook.com/KetoIQACVGummies/ https://www.facebook.com/KetoMeltGummies/ https://www.facebook.com/RadiantEaseCBDGummiesTry/ https://www.facebook.com/BlissBitesCBDGummies.Official/ https://www.facebook.com/TryPeak8CBDGummies/ https://www.facebook.com/MDACVGummiesAustraliaTry/ https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorCBDGummiesCanadaTry/ https://www.facebook.com/ProtonKetoACVGummiesUS/ https://www.facebook.com/Peak8CBD/ https://www.facebook.com/BlissBitesCBDGummiesTry/ https://www.facebook.com/FullBodyCBDGummiesTry/ https://www.facebook.com/EssentialKetoGummiesAuTry/ https://www.facebook.com/TryEssentialKetoGummiesNZ/ https://glucoslim.company.site/ https://glucoslim-erfahrung.webflow.io/ https://makerscbd-gummies.company.site/ https://lifeboostcbdgummies.company.site/ http://makers-cbd-gummies-d4e68f.webflow.io/ https://life-boost-cbd-gummies-c309e9.webflow.io/ https://www.lawebdelprogramador.com/foros/Access/2238423-Makers-CBD-GummiesWarning-Report-Does-It-Really-Work-Don.html https://peak-8-cbd-gummies-24f83b.webflow.io/ https://peakbuy.clubeo.com/page/peak-8-cbd-gummies-reviews-2024-real-honest-customer-warning-exposed-ingredients-offer-49.html
×
×
  • Create New...