Panthers Pressure Point: Sean Mcdermott

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

According to ESPN.com and Pat Yas

Link: http://espn.go.com/b...-pressure-point

There probably isn’t a defensive coordinator in the league who has faced more criticism than Sean McDermott the past two seasons. He was fired by Philadelphia after the 2010 season, and his defense was dismal in his first season in Carolina.

McDermott got a bit of a pass because Carolina had a bunch of injuries on defense, it was the first year for a new coaching staff and rookie quarterback Cam Newtonand a suddenly explosive offense gave fans a nice distraction. But, no matter how many points Newton and the offense scored, the Carolina defense had enormous trouble protecting leads in a 6-10 season. The excuses won’t fly this time around.

Linebackers Jon Beason and Thomas Davis and defensive tackle Ron Edwards are returning from injuries and the Panthers added linebacker Luke Kuechly in the first round of this year’s draft. McDermott has the personnel necessary to put together a respectable defense. The injured players and Kuechly join a nucleus that includes defensive end Charles Johnson and cornerback Chris Gamble, and the pressure is squarely on McDermott to put a good defense on the field.

If he can do that, Carolina could be a legitimate playoff contender. If not, McDermott could be on the hot seat.

Discuss...

[La Pantera]

This season will determine if he's a good enough coordinator. Also, the eagles were plagued by injuries his last season there. We'll just have to see what he can do with a healthy D.

[thefuzz]

I liked this hire, but I also kept in mind that Philly let him go for not producing enough pressure.

[Dash Global]

i am gonna hold off till after this year to determine if he is a good DC.

although im really hoping RR controls the defense more than Mcd

[jtnc]

He'll definitely be in the hot seat if our defense doesn't improve. That would be kinda embarrassing for Ron too, given he's a defensive coach.

[Seal (SmittyIsOurSavior)]

We had better improve. He deserves the scrutiny right now. He doesn't deserve "run him out of town" hate, but the magnifying glass is on him within good reason.

[Guest Bwood]

McDermott is a great coordinator and I think along with Rivera focusing more on defense this season now that our offense is set, I think they'll be able to establish a playoff caliber defense if everyone stays healthy.

But if our defense is bottom 20 again, McDermott should be on his way out.

[CPF4LIFE]

Totally agree.

[panthernation23]

he gets a pass his 1st year, but his 2nd with a 1st round draft pick and an entirely healthy D...the dude better step it up

[Kevin Greene]

Cant wait to see Rivera/McDermott led defense kick ass with healthy playerz.

[Keep Pounding]

I would wait until after year 3 to really say he has to go, I cant see us being in the bottom 10 this year again, even though we have players coming back from injury, we still have young players that our developing. So by year 3, our DEF should be top 10-15 or we need to look elsewhere....

[SN03]

I'm not sold on McDermott but you can't evaluate him off last season. We have a very talented defense if everyone stays healthy. I would like to see Rivera more involved, though.

[Gallagher]

Not concerned. Rivera will draw up the plays and the Beast will call them. Sean McDermont may as well be our Defensive figurehead, a shiny bald figurehead.

[pantherclaw]

I've never liked McDermott. Still don't. He hasn't proven to be a good coordinator.

Rivera is the man, and I feel he will make it happen with his DC, or part ways with him.

We shall see.