{"id":734584,"date":"2026-06-13T19:17:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-13T19:17:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/734584\/"},"modified":"2026-06-13T19:17:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-13T19:17:11","slug":"one-disturbing-number-stands-out-the-most-for-the-carolina-panthers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/734584\/","title":{"rendered":"One Disturbing Number Stands Out the Most for the Carolina Panthers"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s a lot that can be done with numbers when it comes to sports. However, the key to a successful conclusion after analyzing these figures is putting them in the proper perspective.<\/p>\n

Utilizing numerous factors, Matt Okada of NFL.com assembled the \u201cmost defining number\u201d for each of the league\u2019s 32 teams.<\/a> When it came to the Carolina Panthers, the subject matter was a no-brainer. Nevertheless, it once again points out a major flaw for this team that has not been a one-year problem.<\/p>\n

Panthers hope they have found the solution to their biggest issue<\/p>\n

Jaelan Phillips SACK \ud83e\udd85 #Eagles<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/5EPIKQdXcH<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Philly Sports Reports (@PhlySprtsReprts) November 17, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cCarolina took a broad step forward in 2025,\u201d stated Okada, \u201cbut still suffered from one glaring weakness: a 26.2 percent quarterback pressure rate that ranked dead last in the NFL. To address the issue, the Panthers signed Jaelan Phillips (63 pressures in 2025)<\/a> and Devin Lloyd, whose 16 pressures from middle linebacker alignment were tied for most in the league last season…\u201d<\/p>\n

Ejiro Evero has been the Panthers\u2019 defensive coordinator dating back to 2023. In that 51-game span, no team in the league has totaled fewer quarterback traps (89) than Carolina. They finished with only 30 sacks this past season, down from 32 in 2024. In his first season in Charlotte, Evero\u2019s defense amassed an NFL-low 27 sacks.<\/p>\n

\"Nic<\/p>\n

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

In 2025, veteran defensive lineman Derrick Brown and second-round draft choice Nic Scourton tied for the team lead with five sacks. The previous season, Jadeveon Clowney and A\u2019Shawn Robinson\u2014both no longer with the club\u2014each totaled a club-high 5.5 quarterback traps.<\/p>\n

A healthy Jaelan Phillips will add up to big things for Carolina\u2019s defense\"Jaelan<\/p>\n

Junfu Han \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Ironically, Phillips finished with a combined five sacks during his two-team stint this past season with the Miami Dolphins and later (via trade), the Philadelphia Eagles. <\/a>More significantly, the 2021 first-round pick of the \u2018\u2019Fins played in a combined 18 games (including playoffs) this past season. That\u2019s certainly a positive for Phillips, who missed a combined 22 regular-season contests from 2023-24.<\/p>\n

During his first two NFL seasons, the former UCLA Bruin\/turned Miami Hurricane played in all 34 regular-season contests. He combined for 103 tackles, 15.5 sacks, and three fumble recoveries. In a 2022 playoff loss at Buffalo, Phillips racked up nine tackles and a half-sack. All told, he and Scourton could wind up making a very formidable duo.<\/a><\/p>\n

Newcomer Devin Lloyd will also contribute to the pass rusher\"Devin<\/p>\n

Corey Perrine\/Florida Times-Union \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the addition of Lloyd is obviously another piece that should help the Panthers\u2019 defense apply more pressure to opposing quarterbacks. The rangy performer comes off his first Pro Bowl campaign,<\/a> and finished with six of the Jacksonville Jaguars\u2019 31 takeaways this past season.<\/p>\n

The last time the Panthers finished with at least 40 sacks in a season was in 2019, when they totaled 53 QB traps. That would something for Canales\u2019s team to shoot for in 2026, and that kind of improvement can only up to good things for a defensive unit that made big strides a year ago\u2014save for this one key area.<\/p>\n

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