Even in a losing effort from a back-and-forth affair with the Atlanta Falcons, the Carolina Panthers defense flashed some impressive and promising signs on Sunday.
Yes, allowing 37 points is not a great sign for a unit. But the context of the game is important—and minor mistakes allowed the Falcons to hit the occasional (and often timely) big play. This should not, though, overshadow what the defense has been able to accomplish as a squad, even when not fully healthy.
This Carolina group is still missing possibly their best player in safety Jeremy Chinn, and just got cornerback Jaycee Horn back this week. With the possibility of Chinn coming back next Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Panthers may finally be at full strength after playing without multiple key players for the last few outings.
When they’re complete, the all-around talent is undeniable. Breakout campaigns from defensive tackle Derrick Brown and linebacker Frankie Luvu have added more credibility to a bunch that already has a dynamic pass rusher in Brian Burns, a leading middle man in Shaq Thompson and the aforementioned shutdown corner in Horn and playmaking safety in Chinn.
The Bengals will prove to be a real test for this squad in Week 9, as they are one of the most offensively gifted teams in the NFL. And if this unit can apply the heat to quarterback Joe Burrow and company (and can shut them down), they will have proven they can play with anybody in the league.
