South Charlotte Today

PALM BEACH, Fla. — Carolina Panthers' head coach Dave Canales has emphasized the need for improvement in the team's run defense following a challenging 2024 season. During the league's annual meeting at The Breakers resort, Canales was succinct in outlining where he believes the team can make the largest strides in 2025.

"Stop the run," Canales stated, focusing on the necessity for enhanced "commitment" and "effort" in chasing the ball and the style of play.

Last season, the Panthers struggled defensively, setting an all-time record for points allowed (534) and allowing the third-most rushing yards in league history at 3,057. Their average of 179.8 rushing yards allowed per game was the worst in the league, significantly exceeding that of the 31st-place Washington team.

Injuries played a major role in these defensive challenges. The Panthers lost Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown after the first game and defensive signal-caller Shaq Thompson after four games. Over the season, the team used 11 different defensive linemen, 13 different outside linebackers, and went through six different inside linebackers. Defensive end A'Shawn Robinson played a career-high 762 snaps, significantly more than his previous season with the Rams.

With the expected return of Derrick Brown, the Panthers have already made significant early moves in free agency to bolster their defense. These acquisitions include run-stopping safety Tre'von Moehrig, defensive linemen Bobby Brown III and Tershawn Wharton, outside linebacker Patrick Jones II, and linebacker Christian Rozeboom. Additionally, they secured physical corners Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson.

Looking ahead to the draft, the Panthers hold the number 8 pick and nine total picks in the upcoming draft, with further additions likely to enhance the team.

Canales did not merely focus on personnel changes but also pointed to necessary changes in the team's defensive style.

"I was not satisfied with the style of our defensive football first and foremost," he remarked. "So that is just about effort, strain, and attempts on the ball, so we have to step that up. I'll always be pushing the envelope on that weekly, but that's something that came off the film."

The Panthers are now well-positioned, with a solid rotation along the defensive line that includes returning players and new additions, creating competition for roster spots. Canales' emphasis on effort and style is aimed at fostering a more effective defensive unit across the board.