That’s a strong take and one many Panthers fans would agree with after the struggles of 2023. The defense lacked physicality, gap discipline, and consistent tackling, especially against the run. Dan Morgan’s self-awareness and proactive approach this offseason, particularly in fortifying the front seven, signals a real shift in philosophy.
Adding guys like A’Shawn Robinson and Jadeveon Clowney to beef up the trenches, while also bringing in savvy veterans like Josey Jewell at linebacker, shows that Morgan understood the need for leadership and toughness. Combine that with a healthy Jaycee Horn and the continued development of Derrick Brown, and this unit could finally shed the “soft” label that’s haunted it for years.
If the run defense holds up and the pass rush generates more pressure, the Panthers might actually be in a position to help out Bryce Young with a few short fields. It’s about time they stopped wasting good draft picks on a leaky defense.
Exactly the 2023 defensive line was overwhelmed, and once Derrick Brown went down, it was like pulling a keystone from an already fragile arch. Without him anchoring the front, Evero’s scheme was exposed as completely unsustainable with the remaining personnel. The Panthers were routinely blown off the ball, and the inability to set the edge or generate interior push made even average rushing attacks look elite.
Evero was basically left scheming with duct tape. He lacked not just depth but true 3-4 fits especially at nose tackle and the 5-tech spots. Guys were out of position, worn down, and ultimately overmatched. That’s how you end up surrendering nearly 180 rushing yards per game, which is historically bad and demoralizing for a team trying to develop a young quarterback.
This offseason, though, feels like a deliberate course correction. Signing players like A’Shawn Robinson a true space-eater who thrives in gap-control schemes is a sign they’re serious about fixing the interior. Clowney brings not just edge-setting ability but veteran savvy. Suddenly, Evero has the tools to execute the aggressive, assignment-sound front he envisioned.
The bar isn’t exactly high after last season, but this group could quietly become a strength if it stays healthy.
Carolina Panthers defensive front should improve drastically in 2025
Well said this reads like a manifesto for turning the page on the disaster that was 2023. Dan Morgan clearly understood the trenches were non-negotiable, and he acted accordingly. Missing out on Milton Williams stung, but pivoting to Tershawn Wharton a high-motor, scheme-versatile piece was a smart, cost-effective move. And Bobby Brown III? That’s the sort of foundational pickup Evero needed last year.
Drafting Cam Jackson gives them a developmental hammer behind Brown who can spell snaps while learning on the fly. He’s raw but powerful, and when you start pairing that upside with the experience and depth from Robinson and a hopefully rejuvenated Shy Tuttle in a more natural rotational role, the front finally has a real identity.
You’re absolutely right names on paper don’t automatically translate to cohesion on Sundays. But with a healthy Derrick Brown back as the anchor, a better complementary cast, and more control over snap distribution, Evero should be able to actually run his defense rather than just manage damage.
Depth cuts like Crumedy or Ray are inevitable in a realignment like this, but it’s a necessary culling if the goal is to build a unit that can dominate, not just survive. If the D-line sets the tone, it’ll ripple outward better linebacker play, tighter coverage windows, fewer breakdowns in the red zone. And that’s the blueprint for finally giving Bryce Young and the offense a chance to breathe.
If this group stays healthy, “major improvement” might actually be the floor.
Leave a Reply