Power Rankings: Top 5 Post-Draft Defenses
Nov 24, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) catches a pass in front of Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) during the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Carolina Panthers 12-4
Last Season’s Rankings: #2 Overall Defense (303.1 total yards per game allowed) #6 Passing Defense (214.3 passing yards per game allowed) #2 Rushing Offense (86.9 rushing yards per game allowed)
Even with their offense sometimes sputtering, the slogan “defense wins championships” was ringing true for the Carolina Panthers in 2013 (well, until they played the 49ers). At the start of the season, many predicted the Panthers not to have a very good season at all. However, with the play of Boston College’s own LB Luke Kuechly and sack master Greg Hardy, the Panthers were able to sustain a solid defensive front that ended up taking them to the NFC Divisional Round. This Carolina team is filled with superstars and underrated players alike. What made their defense so lethal last season was in that they were able to combine pass rushers like Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson with an excellent secondary.
On the passing side of the ball, the Panthers ranked sixth in the NFL last season, allowing a total of 214.3 passing yards per game along with 15.1 total points per game. Anchoring the secondary for the Panthers was CB Captain Munnerlyn who was able to tackle opposing ball carriers 74 total times, sack opposing QBs 3.5 times and defend 12 passes in 2013. Straight out of a Jules Verne novel, Munnerlyn played virtually under the radar as a Carolina Panther and probably should have gained more recognition as the face of the Carolina secondary. Unfortunately though, Munnerlyn will not be joining the Panthers next season as he signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings (a team that desperately needs a passing defense). Not to mention, the Panthers also had to watch as safety Mike Mitchell (66 total tackles, eight passes defended, 3.5 sacks and four interceptions) and CB Drayton Florence (26 total tackles and nine passes defended) went to the free agency pool to test their luck. No need to fear cavalier, the Panthers still have some of last year’s talent with CBs Melvin White (47 total tackles, five passes defended and and two interceptions) and Charles Godfrey (10 total tackles and two passes defended), and SS Robert Lester (21 total tackles, four passes defended and three interceptions). With those guys the Panthers would have an alright defense (their front seven is definitely solid, however their secondary would be mediocre at best). That is why the Panthers went out and used their cash on some big name secondary’s men such as former Cardinals’ corner back Antoine Cason (14 total tackles and three passes defended in 2013), Saints’ short safety Roman Harper (39 total tackles and an interception) and Falcons’ free safety Thomas DeCoud (65 total tackles and two passes defended). In the draft, the Panthers added safety Tre Boston out of UNC and San Jose State’s own CB Bene Benwikere who should most certainly add some depth at those positions. Although these players will most certainly can’t replace the skills and attributes that the Panthers former secondary once had, I think that with some work, they could be a definite top-five defense.
Where they truly do dominate their defensive front seven with two of the best defensive ends in the NFL in Greg Hardy (59 total tackles, 15 sacks, and five tackles for loss) and Charles Johnson (31 total tackles, 11 sacks and five tackle for loss). It is no wonder that the Panthers ranked number one in the league last season with a monstrous 60 sacks. As well, the Panthers got a lot of their strength from first-round draft selections in LBs Thomas Davis (123 total tackles, four sacks and 10 tackles for loss) and Luke Kuechly (156 total tackles, two sacks, seven passes defended and four interceptions). Both line backers are having fantastic careers thus far and haven’t showed any real signs of slowing up anytime soon. Kuechly has shown to be a leader in this Carolina defense with his great play, passion and overall character. Next season defensive tackles Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei will most likely team up and make their opponents pay. In terms of rushing defense I do not see any holes in this Carolina defense. To make matters only better, they added former Missouri defensive end (the other one) Kony Ealy. With Ealy learning from the best, he could play perhaps a bigger role if worst comes to worst. I think every player needs to continue what they do best and that’s getting to the ball carrier and quarterback before they have a time to even blink. Consistency is key for the Panthers.