Panthers’ Defense Receives Scrutiny

Now that it looks like the Panthers won’t be part of the NFC playoff field, local columnists have begun to take an introspective look at the team, and the first salvo seems to have been fired before the team plays its final game.  In a piece printed in the Charlotte Observer today, writer Pat Yasinskas closely analyzes the Panthers’ defense.

The Panthers have a strong defensive reputation around the NFL, and as the piece points out, Carolina does rank 9th in total defense, but that could be merely a mirage.  The Panthers have suffered through several injuries, most notably to stalwarts DT Kris Jenkins, who’s now missed most of the past two seasons, and MLB Dan Morgan, who has also had his share of injuries during his career.

Overall, the Panthers don’t need to completely rebuild a defense, but age, injury and salary cap considerations will all play a factor in who will line up with the starting 11 in 2007.  Of course, you won’t have the same questions to answer when you look for Panthers tickets for next season.  The answer to that question is always the same - StubHub.com.