Report: Carolina Panthers defense ranked bottom five in NFL
img_2643
Despite allowing the fourth-fewest yards last season, the Carolina Panthers' defense is now ranked as one of the bottom five heading into the 2024 season. Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder recently placed the Panthers as the third-worst defensive unit in his rankings.
Holder stated, “With most of the attention placed on quarterback Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers’ offensive struggles last season, the fact that their defense allowed the fourth-most points per game (24.5) was often overlooked. A big reason for that is cornerback Jaycee Horn only participated in six games. Horn has been good when on the field during his three-year career; however, injuries have plagued the 2021 first-rounder since he entered the NFL, as he’s missed more games than he’s played in (29 to 22). So at this stage, the South Carolina product can’t be trusted to stay healthy enough to help Carolina’s defense turn things around in the fall.”
Moreover, the Panthers lost key outside linebackers Brian Burns, Frankie Luvu, and Yetur Gross-Matos, their top sack leaders from 2023. The additions of free agents Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum are seen as insufficient replacements due to the lack of surrounding talent. Additionally, the Panthers' defense was last in the league in sacks (27) and takeaways (11) in 2023, highlighting their struggles to make impactful plays.