How Have the Carolina Panthers Fixed One of Their Biggest Defensive Issues?

In 2024, the Panthers ranked dead last against the run. The defense gave up 174 rushing yards a game, with opposing running backs averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Many factors contributed to the poor run defense, but the biggest was the absence of Derrick Brown. The rest of the defense was abysmal, and it looked like that had carried over into Week One of the 2025 season. Against the Jaguars, running back Travis Etienne had 143 rushing yards and an average of 8.9 yards per carry. Since then, the Panthers have been all business against the run, holding teams below 150 total rushing yards, and no other running back has eclipsed 100 rushing yards. 

Derrick Brown is back and better than ever after missing all of the 2024 season with a meniscus injury. The former seventh overall pick is picking back right where he left off in 2023, where he made his first Pro Bowl and secured a $96 million extension. This year, more than ever, has solidified Brown as a key piece of the defense. Through five weeks, Brown holds an 89.6 PFF defensive grade, with 16 tackles and 14 stops. Brown ranks among the best in the league in both stops and tackles, with the likes of Myles Garrett and Dexter Lawrence. While Brown continues to excel, he did not single-handedly turn the defensive line around.

The Panthers signed A’Shawn Robinson in the 2024 offseason. Robinson has been solid throughout his career, but next to Brown, he is having an elite season. He ranks next to Brown with the second-highest PFF grade on the defense at 76.6. To pair with that, he has 18 tackles and 14 stops. If Robinson maintains his current pace, he should be in Pro Bowl consideration. Together, this dynamic duo has anchored the Panthers' run defense. 

To pair alongside the dynamic duo, Bobby Brown and Tershawn Wharton have played their parts. Wharton has been hurt for most of the season, but when he is in the game, his influence is felt. Bobby Brown has been the third musketeer to Derrick Brown and Robinson. However, the third defensive lineman sees fewer reps in Ejiro Evero’s scheme, limiting the impact they can truly impose on the field. Under Ejiro Evero, the defense spends most of its time in nickel. In this nickel defense, zone coverage is the go-to, with a preference for linebackers and defensive backs. 

Now we have to look beyond the defensive line to highlight the other player who has been making waves against the run, Tre’von Moehrig. In the 2025 offseason, Moehrig was a hot commodity who ended up signing with the Panthers early in free agency. The Panthers signed him for $53 million, ensuring that he would play a significant role in the coming season. He has been a key component of Evero’s defense. So far, he has 36 tackles with 19 stops and a 64.6 PFF grade. While not the highest graded DB in the league, his presence transcends stats. In the nickel formation, Moehrig plays all over the field. The former Raider has 136 snaps on the line, 31 at free safety, and 89 at corner. Moehrig is the Swiss Army Knife of defense, freeing up lots of space on the defense. 

The turnaround against the run has truly been a team effort. The big-name free agent signings have come through for the Panthers. The defense currently ranks 12th in the league, giving up 311 yards per game. Compared to the 404 yards per game they gave up in 2024. There are still some weak points, particularly in the middle of the field, but Ejiro Evero does deserve some flowers for the new and improved defense. The fans were calling for his head, but head coach Dave Canales and the front office believed in him. The Panthers face the Dallas Cowboys in Week Six, who lead the league in offensive yards per game at 406. The Cowboys will be the defense’s biggest test so far. In what should be an offense-heavy game, the defense is needed now more than ever.