Hello CSR! The regular season is finally here, and Sunday afternoon we’ll FINALLY get to see this new look Panthers defense in all of its glory (or horror ) deployed in full force! They’ll face off against a Jaguars offense that boasts an explosive pair of wide receivers, a duo at running back, and a new look offensive line. Let’s dive right into the keys to this game on defense.
How will the Panthers deploy their safety group?
The Panthers released their first *unofficial* regular season depth chart this week, and much is being made about Nick
Scott’s listing as the starter opposite Tre’Von Moehrig. While the coaching staff has remained steadfast that Nick Scott will be a part of this defense, the expectation I have is we’ll see some form of a rotation at the safety spots. The two primary backups in Demani Richardson and 4th round rookie Lathan Ransom have shown their own skill-sets throughout the preseason, and I would expect them to be deployed in some interesting ways. Ransom specifically took some snaps during the preseason (with the backups) closer to the line of scrimmage, so I’m wondering if we’ll see the same thing with the starters in a sub-package or in passing situations/lighter personnel on the offensive side. The safety position was one of the bigger weaknesses for the defense in 2024 in both pass and run plays, so I would expect the Jaguars to target this group with their passing calls and with perimeter rushing plays that will force them to come up and make tackles. I’m excited to see what Evero’s plan for this unit looks like.
What to do about the wide receivers?
The Jaguars 2024 first round pick Brian Thomas Jr arguably had the most impressive rookie season of the entirety of a deep 2024 rookie receiver class. Then, the Jaguars doubled down on that position, trading up to select WR/DB Travis Hunter early in the 2025 NFL Draft. This particular pairing could pose a major problem, as Thomas was super productive without a high end running mate, even with the likes of Mac Jones throwing to him at times during the season. While Jaycee Horn will certainly face off against one of them on most snaps, how the other is deployed and how the Panthers line up against that should be a major key to this game. Whether its against Mike Jackson on the outside, Chau Smith-Wade on the inside, or one of the safeties, Hunter or Thomas could be a mismatch on virtually every snap. Considering week 1 is usually ugly football across the league, one of the easiest ways to insure you walk away with a win to start the season is to win the big plays battle against the opposing team’s offense. I would expect the Jags to take shots down the field early and often to this dynamic receiver duo.
New look pass rush could be the biggest key.
The Panthers added a lot of talent along the defensive line this off-season, and it was to address their two biggest issues in 2024; the run defense, and the pass rush. While the rushing defense could look a bit rough simply because of the number of new faces having to acclimate to each other (run fits, gap control, etc), the pass rush could definitely hit the ground running if these guys can attack fast against the Jaguars passing attack. While Patrick Jones and DJ Wonnum are listed as starters, I would figure both rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen will be featured, and how fast they progress as NFL players could be a big key to how successful this pass rush as a whole is, both for the season and in this game. Luckily this week, they’ll be facing a group of tackles for the Jaguars that is certainly not elite by any means. Walker Little and Anton Harrison will look to lock down the edges for Trevor Lawrence in 2025, so this will be their first big test of the season.
What are you looking for from the defense in week 1, Panthers fans? Sound off below in the comments!
