Much has been made about how the Carolina Panthers defense will line up following their mid-season switch at coordinator. The new guy, however, is much more concerned about something a bit simpler—effort.
Interim defensive coordinator, and now-former defensive line coach, Todd Wash spoke with reporters for the first time since taking over for the departed Ejiro Evero last week. He'd make clear, almost from the jump of his presser, that his unit will be aggressive.
"We're gonna try to set a culture on defense," Wash stated Thursday morning. "We are gonna play fast, hard and physical. If we make mistakes, we're gonna do it at a million miles an hour."
That style might be a bit of a change from the previous play-caller. Evero's system was more of a read-and-react
approach, whereas Wash is looking to apply pressure regularly.
The plans for the scheme moving forward, above all else, has drawn some speculation. Wash, during his time as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2016 to 2020, ran a 4-3 base—different from Evero's 3-4 that's been used for the past four seasons.
But, when asked about his personnel, Wash seemed to be more focused on the players than the X's and O's.
"Obviously, we are based out of a 3-4. That is what our bodies tell us, that's what our scheme tells us," he replied. "We're gonna put them in a position to be successful. That's about the only thing that's important."
He'd reinforce his point later in the conference.
"The most important thing to me is whatever we ask these players to do, they damn well better have that skill set," Wash added. "So that's our job as coaches. How can we get them in position, with their skill set, to make plays for us."
So, will the Panthers end up shifting to a 4-3 front?
"I think that Grand Canyon's big now," Wash simply replied when asked.
The defense's detour makes its first stop on Sunday against the Denver Broncos, who are averaging the third-fewest yards per game (273.0) entering Week 9.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers interim DC Todd Wash talks 4-3, 3-4 fronts and what to expect from his unit
