The Carolina Panthers defense is coming off its first major positive performance of the 2025 season. After an ugly looking couple of weeks where the offense did the defense very little in terms of favors, the Panthers finally showed us what the defense can look like with even a little bit of support from the offense. Against a Falcons squad that looked primed to beat the snot out of this iteration of the defense, they held Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier to a combined 76 yards on 14 carries, as Michael
Penix was forced to throw the ball more than the Falcons likely wanted. The Panthers didn’t record any sacks, but they got enough pressure and looked to keep Penix uncomfortable and in turn he made mistakes with his reads and decisions. This week, this unit faces another 2024 rookie QB in Drake Maye, who has played relatively well despite seeing a lot of pressure and sacks throughout 3 games. Let’s dive right in.
- Control the rushing attack again. The Patriots are another team that sports a committee of running backs who will all tote the ball on Sunday. Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson as the veterans are joined by high 2nd round pick, rookie Treveyon Henderson. The Patriots have kept the touches relatively balanced between those 3, though Stevenson and Henderson appear to be the preferred rushing options (when Stevenson isn’t fumbling the ball away, of course). Drake Maye has also been mixed in, rushing 21 times for 87 yards in 3 games. The message here is clear; the Panthers likely will have to deal with all of them on Sunday. While the Patriots have definitely leaned more on the passing game, with about a 60-40 split with rushes, this would be the game for them to try and lean on the rushing attack a bit more. Derrick Brown will need to continue throwing fools around.
- Finish the pressures. While the Panthers pass rush did a much better job of effecting the results of passing plays last week, they still are struggling to actually get hits on the quarterback. Drake Maye has been sacked 12 times since the start of the season, and those negative plays definitely contributed to losing efforts against the Raiders and Steelers, where the offense was in position to take the lead on many occasions. This would be the week for Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen to be unleashed on passing downs. Also watch for Tre’Von Moehrig flying around the backfield as a blitzer.
- Continue to involve the young guys in the secondary. Last week, the Panthers got rookie safety Lathan Ransom a lot more involved with the starters, as he came in to allow Moehrig to play closer to the line of scrimmage where he thrives. Chau Smith-Wade also had himself a career day, as he was targeted several times but managed to make several solid tackles to limit yardage, as well as a pick six and a nice pass deflection. Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn seem to be having quite a year on the perimeter, but the middle of the defense and the safeties will be challenged. DeMario Douglas, Hunter Henry, and Austin Hooper could all be go-to options for easy completions for Drake Maye. The younger guys will need to step up, especially at linebacker, to keep the positive vibes going.
What are you looking for from the defense this week, Panthers fans?
