Baldy believes defense is the key. For me? Even more specific than that, the true key...

[TD alt]

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. 

 

Edited Monday at 03:11 PM by TD alt

[Soul Rebel]

I tend to agree with Baldy. Our blueprint is kinda what we’re known for when we were successful. Strong defense, win in the trenches, a desire to run first, and take what the defense gives us.

 

The last part about wanting to run vs actually committing to the run has been my biggest complaint with Canales. He says it, built/drafted the offense around it, yet, abandons it very quickly. 
 

I think if Bryce can be Darnold-esque with his game manager approach, and our three-headed RB crew can produce, we should take that next step, IMO. Defense is going to be fine and is our strength. So happy DB, Horn and Moehrig get some legit talent instead of the PS level JAGs we’ve been cycling though. 

[strato]

If you are going to have a chance with a QB like we have, better have an outstanding defense.  
 

And I am big fan of defense to start with. It killed me watching the defense be neglected to help Young.  So this is s much better state of things.  
I don’t think it’s there yet though. 

Edited Monday at 04:01 PM by strato

[mrcompletely11]

We are one draft away from being an elite defense if Phillips hits and scourton keeps improving 

[Raleigh PF]

If I'm an opposing offense understanding the Panthers do not play matchups on defense, I'm going to ensure the most favorable coverages. The Panther's weaknesses now are at Slot CB and Safety (and maybe OLB). If I have a good TE, I'm matching him up against the Safety whenever possible. #1 receiver goes in motion to pick off the slot CB.

No team has perfect pieces everywhere. It's how the Panthers cover these weaknesses (and how good the pass rush is) that will determine the quality of the defense.

[mrcompletely11]

24 minutes ago, Raleigh PF said:

If I'm an opposing offense understanding the Panthers do not play matchups on defense, I'm going to ensure the most favorable coverages. The Panther's weaknesses now are at Slot CB and Safety (and maybe OLB). If I have a good TE, I'm matching him up against the Safety whenever possible. #1 receiver goes in motion to pick off the slot CB.

No team has perfect pieces everywhere. It's how the Panthers cover these weaknesses (and how good the pass rush is) that will determine the quality of the defense.

Imo depth is an issue on defense 

[pantherclaw]

I believe without a doubt that our defense has to be consistent good, t to help our offense be consistently good also. 

Defense has always be, and will always be key to championships, no matter how much the NFL wants to emphasize offenses.

[Captain Morgan]

1 hour ago, TD alt said:

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. 

 

 

amazing that we're building a monster D since we haven't draft a defensive player with our first or second round pick since 2021.  

Free agency is playing a big part, but this year's additions need to turn the tide

[Jon Snow]

18 minutes ago, pantherclaw said:

I believe without a doubt that our defense has to be consistent good, t to help our offense be consistently good also. 

Defense has always be, and will always be key to championships, no matter how much the NFL wants to emphasize offenses.

They need to get more turnovers, whether its 3 and outs or outright taking it away to give the offense more chances to score, cause lord knows they need it.

Edited Monday at 05:17 PM by Jon Snow

[strato]

1 hour ago, pantherclaw said:

I believe without a doubt that our defense has to be consistent good, t to help our offense be consistently good also. 

Defense has always be, and will always be key to championships, no matter how much the NFL wants to emphasize offenses.

And the running game.  As you start facing the stronger defenses in the playoffs and possible bad weather it becomes key. It doesn’t change. 

We sure spent a ton of assets trying to be in the cool kid great offense club only to end up back where we started. Game manager QB and run the ball/stop the run. 

[UnluckyforSome]

During the Bucs defense-dominant 1st Superbowl era, the defense, with future HOFers at every level, said, "give us 17 and we will do the rest."

We do not have future HOFers at every level, and I am not convinved we can count on our offense to score 17 a game. Might be more around 13, or 10 just to be safe.

They will be better. Consistent game-winning, team-carrying, unit, maybe not. But, defense travels, and doesn't freeze up in the cold.

[strato]

57 minutes ago, Jon Snow said:

They need to get more turnovers, whether its 3 and outs or outright taking it away to give the offense more chances to score, cause lord knows they need it.

Pressure causes most of it. My hope is that even if are not sack terrors, constant pressure closing their margin time wise can be productive in that area. Guys hurry, try to do too much, all that stuff. More mistakes are made. 

[frankw]

Not exactly going out on a limb but he is absolutely correct. We've made some huge gambles on the defensive side of the ball with the size of some contracts let's just hope they pay off.

[strato]

14 minutes ago, frankw said:

Not exactly going out on a limb but he is absolutely correct. We've made some huge gambles on the defensive side of the ball with the size of some contracts let's just hope they pay off.

Phillips is a huge gamble. No doubt. I am hoping that he hit a streak of bad breaks and has come clear out on the other side of all that. 

If he is right he has to be an upgrade on Burns. At just about the same money. He sets an edge too which we weren’t getting before.