The Carolina Panthers addressed many needs this offseason https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Daryl-Williams-Jersey , but the big glaring hole was the second safety position following the 2019 NFL Draft. But I’m here to argue that they might be fine after recent events." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteCat Scratch Readera Carolina Panthers communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpFanpostsFanshotsSectionsAboutPanthersOddsShopStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Keep Sounding PodcastPanthers 2019 NFL DraftCSR Film RoomThere’s more than one way to skin a cat (or in this case, a Panthers secondary)New,70commentsThe Carolina Panthers addressed many needs this offseason, but the big glaring hole was the second safety position following the 2019 NFL Draft. But I’m here to argue that they might be fine after recent events.EDTShareTweetShareShareThere’s more than one way to skin a cat (or in this case, a Panthers secondary)Will Rashaan Gaulden be enough alongside Eric Reid in 2019?Bob Donnan-USA TODAY SportsI’ll start this off by saying that I was an avid advocate for the Panthers signing or drafting another safety outside of Eric Reid this offseason. However, as the active part of free agency and the 2019 NFL Draft have come and gone, the Panthers still haven’t done anything aside from release veteran safety Da’Norris Searcy since signing Eric Reid. They also didn’t do much to address nickel corner, instead opting to see what they have on the roster. However, they have done enough that I’m willing to observe the offseason activities and training camp with an open mind, and here’s why.The Panthers drafted edge rusher Brian Burns in the first round, and edge rusher Christian Miller in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, indicating a big philosophical shift defensively. The Panthers have been known for a stout defensive line for most of their history, however for the last near-two decades it has been under a 4-3 front (four defensive lineman, three linebackers) as they let their front four do most of the work rushing the passer and setting the tempo in the trenches. After two seasons of becoming relatively more blitz oriented to create pressure (mainly because they needed to) https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Donte-Jackson-Jersey , the Panthers have went full on into a new defensive game plan, which is to rush from wherever and whenever they want. Combine those draft picks with acquiring defensive end/outside linebacker Bruce Irvin and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, and it has become clear the Panthers are doing something that should sound familiar. Let’s examine what their front seven looks like right now with projected starters (a 3-4 assumption).DE/OLB Mario Addison/Christian MillerDE/OLB Brian Burns/Bruce IrvinDT Kawann ShortDT Gerald McCoyNT Dontari PoeWith that front five backed up by Luke Kuechly and Shaq Thompson, it’s clear that the Panthers went all in on building back up a once stout front seven. The last time they had a truly elite front seven? Why, the 2013 season of course! With bookends Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy around an elite pairing of Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei, the Panthers linebacking core thrived, boasting an elite defense that helped bring them Cam Newton’s first appearance in the playoffs, and that was with a VERY sub par secondary. Let’s look at that starting group for a moment.CB Captain Munnerlyn (who shifted to nickel corner in three cornerback sets)CB Melvin WhiteCB Drayton FlorenceS Mike MitchellS Quinton MikellWhat a group of world beaters there, right? Well, that defense was arguably the best they’ve fielded since the early 2000s. But a stout front seven can often mask a mediocre-to-bad secondary. But guess what? This Panthers secondary is actually #prettygood.James Bradberry and Donte Jackson are by far the most talented starting two corners the Panthers have fielded since Josh Norman and Bene Benwikere/Charles Tillman, and before that, probably Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas. Behind them are safety Eric Reid, and 2018 3rd round pick Rashaan Gaulden, who appears penciled in as the starter opposite Reid barring an injury or a really terrible preseason. On top of that Greg Olsen Jersey , the nickle corner position remains up in the air, as only Corn Elder has seen any real game snaps at nickel in this current crop of cornerbacks.But hey, it really isn’t all that bad. For starters, the Panthers could opt to use career outside zone corner Ross Cockrell as an outside corner in nickel sets, kicking Donte Jackson inside, which IS something he did in college. In addition, Ron Rivera’s defenses don’t usually have a set FREE safety and STRONG safety, as the two share similar responsibilities and often take about 50/50 snaps at each spot. Rivera has made defenses work well with worse safeties (Mikell and Mitchell above for example), and usually the catalyst for a successful secondary is a strong front seven.The Panthers defense has been at its best when the Panthers can rush the passer effectively, it forces the ball to come out faster and allows the corners to be more aggressive with their coverage. A top tier run defense also helps, as the Panthers secondary can focus on their assignments like containing the outside rush and filling gaps in the interior. A good front seven is their best friend, and will help mask weaknesses where the secondary comes up short. Rush the passer, dictate the tempo, dominate the line of scrimmage Fozzy Whittaker Color Rush Jersey , and you see profit on the back end.Could the Panthers benefit from trying to find another safety? Sure, absolutely, but they opted to double down on a strength rather than sign a safety off the street with the limited capital they had in the cap space, electing to see through their investment on Gaulden last season in the draft. They’ve given their secondary a better chance to succeed by loading up on pass rushing talent, who make everybody’s jobs easier on passing plays when they play well. And with this hybrid front they claim to boast, pressure will come from all sides and keep the opposing offense on its toes. I’m not saying Gaulden will be a great starter, but we’ve seen the Panthers put together an elite overall unit with much worse on the back end. And heck, even if Gaulden doesn’t work out, Colin Jones has experience starting behind elite front sevens :) There was a high dose of anticipation for Cam Newton's debut in Norv Turner’s offense. However, the Panthers also had a new defensive coordinator to show off in their season opener. Former defensive line coach Eric Washington was promoted to call the defense after Steve Wilks’ departure to Arizona. Washington’s unit gave the better show. The run defense, blitz packages, pattern matching concepts, and overall execution was on display. Washington’s introductory remarks to Sunday’s win emphasized the effort, energy Rashaan Gaulden Jersey , and team work.Shutting down Dallas’ rushing attackThe Cowboys don’t make any secrets about their intentions. They want to establish the run with Ezekiel Elliott. The issue for Dallas, however, is that their game plan was predictable. They aligned in heavy sets (multiple TEs, 6 OL) to compensate for the injuries on their line. This played right into Carolina’s hands. Despite Thomas Davis’ absence, the Panthers defensive line, safeties, and linebackers read their keys perfectly. The Cowboys run a “duo” concept with multiple double teams on Carolina’s defensive tackles. Dallas’ offensive line gets solid push. Da’Norris Searcy wins his individual battle with the tight end, but the run stop is made possible by the force player Donte Jackson. He anticipates the run to close down Elliott’s angle, but then shows off his tackling technique to limit the gain.Linebacker blitzes leading to sacksOne of my main criticisms with Steve Wilks’ scheme was his over reliance on blitzes. Blitzing is fine, but Carolina didn’t have the personnel in 2017 to be successful with a heavy volume. Dallas hired a new offensive line coach this off-season. Inevitably, there will be an adjustment period for them to get their communications in sync. Fortunately, Carolina was able to take advantage of these issues by blitzing their linebackers.There were subtle movements by the defensive linemen at the snap, which gave Kuechly and Thompson huge lanes to pursue Dak Prescott. Elliott is also late to diagnose the blitzing linebacker on Thompson’s sack.Pattern matching conceptsThe Panthers pattern matching concepts were equally effective as their blitzes. Dallas had to spread the field out in the 2nd half in hopes of scoring quickly. There is a lot going on in this play, so let’s break it down. Carolina is essentially playing a cover 3 fire zone pattern matching concept. On the weak side of the formation Thomas Davis Color Rush Jersey , Donte Jackson patrols the sideline while Searcy operates in the hook zone area.Julius Peppers drops into the fire zone while Shaq Thompson blitzes. Kuechly is reading the running back. The complex part of the coverage comes on the trips side. Bradberry and Munnerlyn are reading the releases of the receivers. When the number 2 receiver goes vertical, Bradberry immediately picks him up. Munnerlyn matches with the number 3 receiver who runs an arrow route. Finally, the number 1 receiver runs a crosser. The underneath defenders pass it off smoothly which disrupts the timing. Ultimately, Carolina is able to force Dallas into a holding penalty. While Munnerlyn’s coverage on Cole Beasley could have been better, this was an ideal circumstance of coverage and pressure working together.Here is another example of Carolina’s secondary working together to pass off and match routes in cover 4. When the receiver to the near side motions, it gives Bradberry an easy read. He’s matching the vertical route. The most impressive part of this play comes from how Carolina is able to fluidly pass off the crosser and limit the yards after catch. Washington lauded the teamwork during his presser. This is an example. Carolina had a couple breakdowns in coverage, which weren’t exploited thanks to pressure. This was a well rounded performance, though, The Panthers defense has to take this performance and carry it into Atlanta this weekend.