The Carolina Panthers are suddenly 4-3 with a real shot at ending their seven-year postseason drought. Third-year quarterback Bryce Young continues to improve, running back Rico Dowdle has burst onto the scene, and eighth-overall pick Tetairoa McMillan looks like a true WR1. Yet it’s the Panthers’ defense that deserves much of the praise. After fielding the league’s worst unit in total yards allowed per game a season ago—the only team to surrender more than 400 per contest—Carolina now ranks seventh
in the NFL, giving up just 295.7 yards per game. Both the pass defense and, especially, the run defense have taken major steps forward from a year ago.
Among Carolina’s leading tacklers are two offseason additions: former Los Angeles Ram Christian Rozeboom and former Las Vegas Raider Tre’Von Moehrig. The latter, also a former TCU Horned Frog, is putting together an All-Pro-caliber season. Moehrig has recorded 30 solo tackles (most on the team), 46 total tackles (second), one sack (tied for fourth), and six tackles for loss (first). Moreover, Moehrig’s six tackles for loss not only lead the Panthers—they’re the most among all NFL safeties. The 26-year-old’s total also ranks sixth in the league overall.
Moehrig’s physical play has been a boon for Carolina’s defense. His blitzing—whether it’s from the slot or straight down the A-gap—has proven effective time and time again. Against the New York Jets, Moehrig generated multiple pressures and recorded his first sack of the season, taking down Justin Fields late in the second quarter. He finished the contest with six tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit. The Panthers allowed the Jets to score just six points and held New York’s offense to 3.7 yards per play.
Moehrig has now recorded at least three tackles in every game this season and has logged a tackle for loss in three straight contests. The TCU product is more than a traditional safety, as evidenced by his repeated plays in the backfield. He also profiles as a pseudo-linebacker, slot corner, and box safety. The Panthers have begun deploying their Swiss Army knife closer to the line of scrimmage—and it’s paid dividends. Carolina is 4-1 over its last five games, holding opponents to 0, 24, 27, and 6 points in its four victories.
With the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers up next on the schedule, Carolina’s resurgent defense will be put to the test, as Moehrig and company will be tasked with containing the NFL’s third- and 15th-ranked offenses in total yards per game. Both teams also feature strong rushing attacks, led by James Cook and Josh Jacobs, respectively. Meanwhile, quarterback Bryce Young suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s win over the Jets, meaning another former Horned Frog, Andy Dalton, will be thrust into action. He’s set to make his first start of the season—just three days before his 38th birthday—against the Bills.
Looking to notch a fourth straight victory against one of the AFC’s best, Carolina will again lean heavily on Moehrig and Dalton to keep the momentum rolling and pull off the upset against Buffalo.
