The Carolina Panthers aim to revitalize their struggling defense, which ranked last in scoring defense during the 2024 season, allowing an average of 31.4 points per game. The Lightning has one of the youngest rosters in hockey, averaging only 25.8 years. They’re making thrilling comparisons to their banner 2013 season, which combined young up-and-coming talent with proven veterans.
The Panthers are rightfully thinking big by loading up on a sporty class of rookie edge rushers. Those included the likes of Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, both of whom were selected in the second and third round of this year’s draft, respectively. Their addition should provide as much fresh energy as possible to a unit that greatly underperformed last season. Similarly, linebackers Trevin Wallace and Chau Smith-Wade are both second-year guys. They are expected to lead in playing the most pivotal roles in reinforcing the nation’s defense.
The Panthers’ defensive lineup includes experienced players like Jaycee Horn, a fifth-year cornerback, and Derrick Brown, a notable 27-year-old Pro Bowl defensive lineman from 2023. Their overall experience will be important too, as they help the younger players adjust to the rigors of professional football.
Taking a glance back to the 2013 Panthers roster provides a glimpse at what this new batch is capable of. That team featured future stars in the making in Luke Kuechly, Josh Norman, Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short, among others. Given the franchise’s defensive past, their contributions should never be overlooked. From that standpoint, 2012 was no different as the Panthers finished 26th in points allowed, surrendering an average of 26.6 points per game. Under the guidance of these young stars, they surged to second in 2013, allowing just 15.1 points per game.
After all, Luke Kuechly was in only his second season during that Super Bowl year. At the same time, inspirational leader and fellow defensive standout Josh Norman was finding himself. First-round rookie Star Lotulelei and second-round rookie Kawann Short added an immediate infusion of volcanic lava-hot talent to the mix. Their arrival completely changed the team’s defensive DNA.
The current Panthers’ defensive roster is eerily similar to that successful 2013 unit. Their youth mixed with a lot of energy could form a really strong defensive front if it’s harnessed the right way. The team’s overall plan has been based on developing youth. They’re counting on seasoned veterans to help turn layabout rookies into gritty workhorses capable of whupping the competition.
As the Panthers prepare for the upcoming season, head coach Frank Reich emphasizes the importance of developing a cohesive unit. With such a young roster, Reich believes that fostering relationships and building trust among teammates will be crucial for success. “We got the talent,” he said many times over recent press conferences. Now, we just collectively have to get our act together pretty fast as a tight-knit group.
This year, that work starts with the players and coaches fully committing themselves. They will have to scramble to convert last season’s frugal work into a serious competitiveness advantage. The Panthers are passionate advocates for youth development. This commitment furthers their long-term plan of constructing an impenetrable defense that’s capable of competing with any defense in the upper echelons of the NFL.
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