For a team that prides itself on stopping the run, the Panthers have done an awful job of it this season. Only three NFL teams have allowed more rushing yards per game and the problem seems to be getting worse with each passing week.
On Sunday, the Packers ran all over Carolina, averaging six yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns on the ground. There were other factors in the loss, but that was by far the biggest one.
Speaking with the media today, head coach Ron Rivera said there’s no magic fix, according to Jourdan Rodrigue at the Athletic.
Rivera says the team – coaches and players – need to be accountable for issues defending the run for the last three weeks. Says there is no “magic fix” but it is a point of emphasis – especially stopping big plays. Adjustments in Q4 were a bright spot.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) November 11, 2019
Losing Kawann Short to injured reserve was always going to be a big deal for this defense, even if it didn’t show early on.
You can’t blame Rivera for Short’s absence, but he hasn’t done enough to make adjustments in the two months since he’s been out. One thing he should consider is abandoning his 3-4 looks, which aren’t working when it comes to stopping the run. The front seven (especially inside linebacker Luke Kuechly) seem to constantly be out of position.
Switching back to a 4-3 may or may not fix things, but Rivera has to consider that and anything else that might help.
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