A Quick Fix for the Panthers Defensive issues

Panthers defense in 2022.

David Tepper has received credit for stepping out of the limelight over the past year. However, his decision to push Ron Rivera into adopting the 3-4 defense has proven to be a lasting mistake. Tepper’s infatuation with the Steelers is, at best, strange, and his attempt to replicate their defensive philosophy in Carolina has backfired. This season, the Panthers fielded a historically bad defense. I previously pointed out that the personnel doesn’t fit the scheme.

Longtime fans will recall that during the best seasons in franchise history—2003 and 2015—the defense thrived in a 4-3 system. While some defenders of the organization, particularly former team-employed reporters, may argue that the difference in schemes is minor, the results speak for themselves. Those successful teams relied on controlling the line of scrimmage with two large defensive tackles, a stout left end, and a pass-rushing right end.

This organization’s best defenses have always featured dominant defensive tackles jamming up the middle, controlling the line of scrimmage, and freeing up the linebackers to roam and make plays. It’s time to return to that formula. The Panthers have the personnel to transition back to a 4-3 base defense, which would lead to quick improvements.

Admittedly, this doesn’t align with the current defensive coaching staff’s philosophy, but the odds of this staff, particularly Ejiro Evero, being here in 2026 are slim. Long term, the four-man front is more effective. It allows linebackers to play freely and reduces the likelihood of getting gashed up the middle.

Finally, this team has great pieces in place for the switch, and it would maximize the impact of their best defensive weapon, Derrick Brown.