Is It Time for a New Defensive Coordinator in Carolina?
Last season, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's defense ranked 29th in the league, allowing 24.5 points per game, with notable struggles in weeks five and six, where they gave up 638 yards and 84 points. They also finished the season being outscored 35-0 in their final game and allowed over 300 yards in four games, with one nearing 400 yards. This season, their performance has worsened, ranking 32nd with 29.9 points allowed per game. However, Evero faced significant challenges last year, including the loss of key players like Jaycee Horn, Brian Burns, and Shaq Thompson due to injuries, which could explain the 29th-place finish. This season, he’s also dealt with the absence of Derrick Brown, Shaq Thompson, and DJ Wonnum, as well as offseason departures like Burns, Frankie Luvu, Jeremy Chinn, and Yetur Gross-Matos, which has further impacted the defense. While some may argue that Evero is working with similar resources to those of Bryce Young last season, the reality of the NFL is that success is paramount, and the business of football may not allow for prolonged opportunities without improvement.
At yesterday's game, former Panthers coach and two-time Coach of the Year, Ron Rivera, was spotted speaking with Bryce Young and others post-game, prompting fans to speculate about what insights he may have shared with the second-year quarterback. Rivera recently hinted in an interview with USA Sports that he is considering a return to coaching. He stated that while he currently works as a sports analyst for NFL Network, he feels he’s not done at the NFL level and is even open to a college coaching opportunity. This has raised questions about whether the Panthers should retain defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero or replace him with Rivera. Rivera, who helped Cam Newton win an MVP and led the Panthers to their first Super Bowl appearance since 2003, is renowned as a defensive coaching guru. Under his leadership, the Panthers' defense consistently ranked among the league’s top five, with standout players like Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis bolstering his success. Rivera's ability to maintain a strong defense while also ensuring consistent wins on offense made his tenure with the Panthers particularly notable.
The Panthers urgently need to address their struggling defense, and with Bill Belichick now off the table, the question arises: who is next in line to take charge? One potential candidate is Robert Saleh, who has a relationship with head coach Dave Canales. However, Saleh's recent presence with the Green Bay Packers during the regular season after his firing suggests he may be considering them or possibly reuniting with the 49ers, who are currently dealing with defensive issues of their own. The Panthers' season concludes with critical matchups against division rivals Tampa Bay and Atlanta, both in playoff contention. For Evero, these games are crucial; he needs to deliver a standout performance to secure his future, especially given concerns raised by cornerback Jaycee Horn, who believes the current defensive scheme is limiting his ability to shadow top wide receivers. If the Panthers have already made their decision, it may soon become clear. Be sure to tune in to Sunday's game in Tampa to get further insight into the team's direction moving forward.
