Article: The Multiplicity of the Panthers Defense

[Saca312]

One of the best reads I've seen on the Panthers defense and just how formidable it already it (shoutout @ellis for posting on twitter). Phil Snow is an absolute mastermind with the players we have on defense and it shows.

https://matchquarters.substack.com/p/the-multiplicity-of-the-panthers

The article goes in-depth concerning just how many versatile packages Phil Snow ran with this group. 

Quote

As stated, though Carolina bases from a 4-3, they don’t live it. The multiplicity allows the Panthers to match up their athletes against those of the offense. In their first two games, the Panthers have used several alignments to match their opponent.

Despite their 4-3 base, they never truly stick with it. The article highlights many different looks the Panthers have employed - a testament to the formidibility and talent of the players, as well as the ingenuity of Phil Snow.

Personnel packages the article highlights from the first two games include:

* 3-4

* 5-1

* 4-3

* 4-2-5 (Big Nickel)

* 4 Down Dime

I highly recommend reading the article and just how effective the Panthers are in these various formations. It's an incredible sight to behold.

Another interesting nugget is seeing the parallels Snow is making with this group and how his approach and success in college is showcasing a similar path in Carolina:

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Snow has been handed the keys to a highly athletic group. For most of Snow’s career, it has been the second or third year when his defenses begin to jump. The trend is no different in Charlotte. His ability to adapt to his surroundings and personnel have made him one of the top college DCs, and now it appears he is one of the best in the NFL. What is strikingly clear in the first two weeks of the ‘21 season is that Snow will use his athletic personnel in multiple ways. 

The adaptability of Snow was no more clear than his final year at Baylor. Within the first two years, Rhule and Snow knew they had a problem. The Big 12 was eating them up on defense, and a change needed to be made. The experiment in Ames with the 3-3-3 was now taking over the Big 12. Snow decided to try his hand at the system, and it paid dividends. 

Moving to the NFL, many asked if the 3-3-5 would follow. It did, but by no means is it the Panthers’ base. Instead, Snow has learned from experiences at the college game how to develop a hybrid defense, and the ‘21 season appears to be a culmination of his adaptability as a coach. He now has the personnel to be as creative as he wants.

Just incredible seeing that Snow's approach is methodical and effective. He has a clear vision that bore fruit in Baylor, and now it appears that same approach is about to take the NFL by storm.

Ultimately, the article concludes that the versatility and possibilities of these defense make it one that's a huge headache for any offense to keep up with and likely one that few will have an answer to for a long while:

Quote

The Panthers’ ability to be multiple and get their hybrids into situations to win their matchups is what has stood out in this young year. The additions and development of several players on defense have opened Snow’s playbook and creativity. Opposing offenses will have to deal with a defense that can match most packages that they throw at it. Only time will tell if the Panthers will remain at the top of the NFL standings in defense, but if history has proven anything, Phil Snow has a knack for turning around defenses and putting top groups together. 

We are seeing in Carolina a culmination of Phil Snow’s experience at the college level and being flexible when needed. In addition, his ability to create a defense that highlights his players' strengths is something all coaches can study. As the 2021 season gets rolling, the Panthers have already made noise and barring injury, and it looks like they are here to stay for the time being. 

 

This is a defense to get excited for. Phil Snow built a juggernaut of versatility that will be exciting to see.

[*FreeFua*]

“He now has the personnel to be as creative as he wants”

Again, like I’ve said this is a big reason why Jaycee was such a good pick. The lack of talent in our secondary last year really limited Snow in what he could call. 

[Saca312]

6 minutes ago, *FreeFua* said:

“He now has the personnel to be as creative as he wants”

Again, like I’ve said this is a big reason why Jaycee was such a good pick. The lack of talent in our secondary last year really limited Snow in what he could call. 

Very good point. 

Having a talented secondary helps our defense so much. Just the coverage we were able to do against the Saints allowed for our front to feast and the whole defense to crank out their fury.

Jaycee shutting down his part of the field is critical to their success.

[KB_fan]

35 minutes ago, Saca312 said:

Very good point. 

Having a talented secondary helps our defense so much. Just the coverage we were able to do against the Saints allowed for our front to feast and the whole defense to crank out their fury.

Jaycee shutting down his part of the field is critical to their success.

Absolutely. That Baldy clip 2 days ago showed just how great the coverage was and how it allowed the rush to totally stymie Jameis.

[shaqattaq]

44 minutes ago, *FreeFua* said:

“He now has the personnel to be as creative as he wants”

Again, like I’ve said this is a big reason why Jaycee was such a good pick. The lack of talent in our secondary last year really limited Snow in what he could call. 

I mentioned this in another thread almost verbatim. 8 consecutive draft picks on D plus Fox, Jones, and Reddick as high-end FA pick ups makes us formidable AF!

[TLGPanthersFan]

Just now, KB_fan said:

Absolutely. That Baldy clip 2 days ago showed just how great the coverage was and how it allowed the rush to totally stymie Jameis.

I saw that. I am not used to good coverage since old Panthers defense relied so much on a good pass rush to make our meager secondary better. 
Now our d-Line can just do its job and feast. 

[run-run-pass-punt]

For me, good defense is all about deception/confusion (along with the players of course), and Snow is as good as anyone I've seen in causing uncertainty for opposing offenses.

[shaqattaq]

1 minute ago, TLGPanthersFan said:

I saw that. I am not used to good coverage since old Panthers defense relied so much on a good pass rush to make our meager secondary better. 
Now our d-Line can just do its job and feast. 

Previous management never got the importance of a solid secondary, and admitted as much. One thing we KNOW about Fitterer is that he understands the havoc a strong secondary can create.

[AviationMX]

great article thanks, are we all good with the Horn pick now? Love having a great D while we work on the O. Sam Mills would approve...KP

[ForJimmy]

The only thing I’m worried about while watching this defense is getting a boner… ~Michael Scott (kind of)

[CarolinaLivin]

4 minutes ago, ForJimmy said:

The only thing I’m worried about while watching this defense is getting a boner… ~Michael Scott (kind of)

Now thats what I call paraphrasing !

[TheSpecialJuan]

This was great 

[CarolinaLivin]

 

Apologies if this has already been posted.

[panthers55]

What I have said all along is that one of Snows best ability is to learn and adapt to both his personnel and what works at the level he is at. This defense is very different than last year in terms of complexity and matchups. It is also the exact type of defense I begged for since the last season was over. This scheme he did not run in college with all the multiple looks. Partly because he now is dealing with professionals who play football for a living not in between classes and other things and because their skills are significantly better. This type of defense has shown to be one of the best over the years in the NFL and I am grateful he is using it. It is so nice to see pressure looks. Reminds me of Jim Johnson with more man looks and variation. I hope we stick with it.