Carolina Panthers: Preliminary Defensive Breakdown

Can the Carolina Panthers’ defense return to form with new faces in key positions?

The Carolina Panthers remained a team to watch during much of the off-season. How would they handle the looming contract talks with standout cornerback Josh Norman? Can they lock down Kawann Short before his contract situation turns ugly? All of these questions led into the off-season, only to be supplanted by larger issues. Now, less than one month before the 2016 season kicks off, this is a look at what may be the Panthers’ starting defense when Week 1 begins.

The Panthers’ defensive line features a number of names that are familiar to fans and opponents alike. Short, Charles Johnson, Kony Ealy and Star Lotulelei were one of the best defensive lines last season and return to continue the work.

General Manager Dave Gettleman and the Panthers’ leadership are working hard to get out in front of re-signing Short to the team. They were able to put together a deal with Johnson to bring him back to the team with terms that were favorable to the salary cap, but he adds a sense of stability to this line that may be more appreciated. Short may not be willing to sign a similar deal that is less than his perceived value; especially if he builds on the impressive play that he put forth last year.

Ealy and Lotulelei are both stalwarts on this defense and the addition of Paul Soliai from the Atlanta Falcons adds additional depth. It will be interesting to see if Kyle Love becomes a central part of the rotation in return for the new deal that he signed earlier this year.

Nov 2, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) makes an interception in overtime during the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina wins in overtime 29-26. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

This core of linebackers doesn’t need any type of introduction. Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly and Shaq Thompson cause havoc whenever they are on the field. Kuechly remains one of the most important defensive players in the league, while Davis’s leadership and play making ability hasn’t dwindled after multiple injuries. Thompson is coming into his second season and played very well for much of 2015. Even A.J. Klein, who filled in for Kuechly early last year, delivered for this defensive unit when the Panthers needed him the most.

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That brings this preview to the Panthers’ defensive backfield. Norman is now wearing a Washington Redskins jersey and will not come down the tunnel for Carolina. Leadership looked to the draft to fill the vacancies created by Norman’s departure. Rookie James Bradberry seems like the top pick to fill that slot as a cornerback as he’s performed well during training camp. Bene Benwikere, returning from a serious leg injury, is expected to fill the as the second cornerback.

Kurt Coleman and Tre Boston round out the backfield as the strong and free safeties, respectively. Coleman had an exceptional 2015 campaign, but some experts attributed that to Norman being on the field at the same time. It will be interesting to see if the duo of Boston and Coleman, along with Bradberry and Benwikere can continue the success that this unit has experienced dating back to late 2014.

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As the new season approaches, many are expecting the Panthers’ defense to be a weakness. That has been the idea in the past but the group has banded together to become one of the best in the entire league. With new faces starting and positional changes in the backfield, it’s time for them to come together again if they are going to build on the success experienced last season.

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