4. Run defense
The problem: Carolina was the worst run defense team in the NFL last season and it wasn’t even close. They allowed opponents to average 1.9 rushing touchdowns per game, half a score more than any other team. They also ranked dead last in run defense DVOA.
What’s changed: Even though it clearly wasn’t working, Ron Rivera stuck with the 3-4 defense far too long and it was a major factor in his firing in December. New defensive coordinator Phil Snow is expected to move the team back to a 4-3 scheme, which is better suited for the players on the roster. Drafting Auburn’s star DT Derrick Brown in the first round should also help stop the bleeding here.
The x-factor: As much potential as Brown has as a run stopper, the bigger deal is getting Kawann Short back on the field. Short missed 14 games with a shoulder injury last season. If he’s healthy for most of the 2020 campaign it should have a huge impact on run defense.