All 11 to the ball on defense
Coaches always preach about getting 11 hats to the ball on defense, and how that is often the key to the run defense. But to preach it and see it in action are often two different things.
As defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero evaluates what didn't work last season with the Panthers' run defense compared to what is working this season, it is that swarming to the ball that is making the difference.
"Our guys are really bought into, you know how (defensive line coach Todd) Wash and (outside linebackers coach AC) Carter are teaching the upfront mechanics and they're doing a hell of a job of executing it," Evero said. "We always talk about stopping the run game, not just the D line though, it's all 11, the way we're playing at the linebacker level, the way we're playing at the safety level, the corners crack replacing, we've really shown all-11 commitment to doing it."
That execution and fast play has made all the difference, Evero explained. Because looking at the film from last season to this season, the scheme and approach is largely the same. It's the players making them come to life on the field that has helped push the Panthers into the Top 10 in run defense (No. 9 overall) while holding teams to an average of 94.5 yards per game on the ground.
"We went back and looked at what we did last year and it's no really no different than any other year. We're always looking at what we can improve schematically, technique wise, call wise, and then certainly our players play a big part in that as well," said Evero.
The run defense is doing all this while facing three of the top six rushers in the league, and four of the Top 12.
"We have a run presentation every Wednesday morning to start off the week, and coach Wash kind of goes through the details of what it takes to play the run game is 11 (guys).
"Coach Renaldo Hill does the same thing with the back end and talks about the main looks to own for the run game and so, I think all of those things, the players buying in, the practice habits, all of those things have really made a difference."