Our defense isn't as far off as we think...

[nosuchthingasapanther]

we need a major tweak or two for sure. After today it's plain to see we need a CB to stop Brees (and other elite QBs)

pass rush/pressure > secondary

brees...manning, rogers, or brady will pick apart any secondary if they have time in the pocket.

[R0CKnR0LLA]

Rivera has had a full season to see what we have. He's a defensive minded guy, I hope he can fix it.

he's good at teaching/coaching defensive talent

i'm not so sure he's good at building a team, scouting draft prospects/free agents, ect

[TNPanther]

Beason makes much more of a difference than some think. Although he'll probably be about 75% at best next season, that's still an upgrade over Connor. Not to mention, he is the quarterback of the D and his leadership gets the other guys going.

At this point, we could sign the 2nd string safety from any team in the league and he would still be an upgrade over Martin, who has no business starting. I have never seen a safety play as god awful as Martin did today, and I was at every Tennessee Volunteers football game this season. (that says something!)

As long as we acquire, whether through the draft or FA, a starting caliber S, DT, and #2 CB, we should become not only relevant but pretty respectable on the defensive side of the ball. Ron Rivera didn't all of the sudden forget how to coach defense... say what you want about McD, but we really know who pulls the strings on D.

[Sam Mills Fan]

272 variations of Panthers defenses have gone out there since the team began and not 1 gave up as many yards as the defense did today. And they smashed the record.

[Gin and Juice]

he's good at teaching/coaching defensive talent

i'm not so sure he's good at building a team, scouting draft prospects/free agents, ect

I'm convinced finding hidden talent is a trait of his! Let's not blow this loss out of context, if NO didn't have to go through Lambeau then I'm convinced they would be a guaranteed Super Bowl team for as hot as they are right now

[Yaboychris28]

We don't have the money to go out and get impact players via FA

[DawgzLife]

Beason...Although he'll probably be about 75% at best next season.

As long as we acquire, whether through the draft or FA, a starting caliber S, DT, and #2 CB, we should become not only relevant but pretty respectable on the defensive side of the ball. Ron Rivera didn't all of the sudden forget how to coach defense... say what you want about McD, but we really know who pulls the strings on D.

Why should Beason only be at 75%? He torn his Achilles, not an ACL. Achilles injuries do not have that long of recovery time. If his surgery & recovery goes well, he should be full speed by training camp.

We do need a FS & #2 CB. I think CB & OLB are the biggest needs. DT will be addressed if BPA sometime after round 2.

I don't think Rivera was as involved with the D this season as he will be next season. Remember he was/is a rookie HC & needed to focus on getting his poo together. I think we will see his stamp on the D next year tho & we will see a much better D...but we do need to add talent.

[Herb]

Didn't we put up close to 600 yards on the Bears defense @ soldier field? Just saying that these kind of games happen. And we did that against a fully healthy defense that is suppose to be elite.

Some days offenses are just in a rhythm and can't be stopped. Our defense has been decimated by injuries this season and we were playing the #1 offense in the league in their home dome where the refs love them too. It was pathetic to give up that much, but we weren't the only defense to be embarrassed by the Saints this season.

Without question defense is a priority this offseason. It will be addressed in the draft and free agency. Getting healthy is just as important.

[JawnyBlaze]

We have 3 playmakers easily on defense: Beason, CJ, Gamble. After that it falls off hard. Anderson can be a playmaker at times, I'd say he's at least above average at his spot, but I wouldn't put him in the group with the previous 3. Godfrey is solid, after those 5 we have a void of proven talent. I think the defense is as far off as we think. They need at least a few additions (most notably at CB, S, probably DT and a WLB since Davis is probably done) and some serious coaching up in the offseason and they can be good enough not to lose us games like they did about 7 or 8 times this year.

[KillerKat]

lol what a funny joke

[Miaoww]

It might not be far off being good enough to win with a Newton lead offence, but fug that poo.

I want a good D, not a Packers/Saints/Colts D that JUST squeaks out enough stops/FGs/turnovers to win.

[footballisasport]

we just gave up 617 yards

You are so right...like only need a decent defense??