Carolina Panthers Defense Analysis

Season Stats

The Carolina Panthers defense utilizes a 3-4 Base base scheme under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Carolina Panthers Defense?

The Carolina Panthers have had an up-and-down 2025 campaign, resulting in a #15 ranking in scoring defense. Statistically, they are allowing 0.6 fewer points than the league average, which is a solid mark.

In the NFC South, they are setting the standard, ranking above the New Orleans Saints (#16), Atlanta Falcons (#19) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (#20) in points allowed per game.

Creating havoc has been a major issue, as they rarely disrupt the opponent's backfield. Ball security hasn't been a concern for their opponents, as this defense generates very few takeaways.

Total Sacks

Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is below average compared to the league median, while their secondary is disciplined but rarely turns the ball over (1 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

The unit is anchored by Tre'von Moehrig, whose performance as a strong player in 2025 with 103 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 interception has been instrumental. Complimenting that production, Christian Rozeboom has added 122 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception this season.

What is the Carolina Panthers defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Ejiro Evero

The Carolina Panthers defense runs a 3-4 Base under coordinator Ejiro Evero.

Base Defensive Front

3-4 Base

3-4 Front (Two-Gap)

Three down linemen, often responsible for two gaps (the player in front). They eat blocks to free up linebackers to make plays.

Tactical Philosophy

Ejiro Evero's sound 3-4 scheme maximizes roster talent with great fundamentals.

Key Principles

FundamentalsTalent MaximizationZone Integrity

Scheme Strengths

✓Unpredictable blitz angles & confusing formations
✓Disguises coverage responsibilities well
✓Versatile against spread offenses

Potential Weaknesses

⚠Vulnerable to outside runs if edge setting fails
⚠Complex gap assignments for defensive line
⚠Requires specific 'two-gap' personnel (Nose Tackle)

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Carolina Panthers Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

⚠️ This unit struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.

Havoc Rate

POOR

0.6/g

Turnovers

POOR

0.1/g

Aggression

POOR

0.1/g

vs 2024 Regular Season Standards

Metric

Per Game

Grade

Why it Matters

Havoc Score

0.6

POOR

They disrupt the offense 0.6 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.

Ball Production

0.1

POOR

They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 0.1 times per game. They struggle to take the ball away, relying on punts.

Front Aggression

0.1

POOR

The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 0.1 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).

Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.

Havoc Grading Scale

ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5

Ball Production Grading Scale

ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0

Front Aggression Grading Scale

ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Carolina Panthers defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Sliding

34.0 PPG(Last 3)

They are allowing +11.6 more points per game recently.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Carolina Panthers defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026

Jaycee Horn

Cornerback

QuestionableJan 12

"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."

Tershawn Wharton

Defensive Tackle

QuestionableJan 11

"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."

Popo Aumavae

Defensive Tackle

Injured ReserveMay 10

"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."

Patrick Jones II

Linebacker

Injured ReserveJan 14

"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."

Damarri Mathis

Cornerback

Injured ReserveSep 6

"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."

Corey Thornton

Cornerback

Injured ReserveNov 26

"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."

Trevin Wallace

Linebacker

Injured ReserveDec 27

"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."

Depth Chart

Sorted by Position Group

Defensive Line (7)

73 Tkl • 5 Sck

Derrick Brown

6' 5", 320 lbsAge: 27

31 Tkl • 0.5 Sck

Bobby Brown III

6' 4", 332 lbsAge: 25

Jared Harrison-Hunte

6' 4", 294 lbsAge: 25

9 Tkl

Cam Jackson

6' 6", 328 lbsAge: 23

13 Tkl

LaBryan Ray

6' 4", 290 lbsAge: 28

65 Tkl • 2.5 Sck

A'Shawn Robinson

6' 3", 320 lbsAge: 30

2 Tkl

Jaden Crumedy

6' 4", 309 lbsAge: 25

Linebackers (15)

23 Tkl • 0.5 Sck

Krys Barnes

6' 2", 229 lbsAge: 27

Jared Bartlett

6' 2", 237 lbsAge: 24

32 Tkl

Claudin Cherelus

6' 2", 230 lbsAge: 26

14 Tkl • 1 Sck

Trevis Gipson

6' 4", 255 lbsAge: 28

17 Tkl

Thomas Incoom

6' 2", 265 lbsAge: 26

21 Tkl

Bam Martin-Scott

6' 2", 231 lbsAge: 25

Jamil Muhammad

6' 1", 260 lbsAge: 24

Mapalo Mwansa

6' 2", 230 lbsAge: 21

10 Tkl

Maema Njongmeta

6' 0", 230 lbsAge: 24

122 Tkl • 2 Sck • 1 Int

Christian Rozeboom

6' 2", 230 lbsAge: 28

47 Tkl • 5 Sck

Nic Scourton

6' 2", 257 lbsAge: 21

2 Tkl

Isaiah Simmons

6' 4", 238 lbsAge: 27

24 Tkl • 1.5 Sck

Princely Umanmielen

6' 4", 244 lbsAge: 23

Jacoby Windmon

6' 2", 250 lbsAge: 24

42 Tkl • 3 Sck • 1 Int

D.J. Wonnum

6' 5", 258 lbsAge: 28

Secondary (10)

12 Tkl

Akayleb Evans

6' 2", 198 lbsAge: 26

Tyrek Funderburk

6' 0", 185 lbsAge: 25

68 Tkl • 4 Int

Mike Jackson

6' 1", 210 lbsAge: 29

103 Tkl • 3 Sck • 1 Int

Tre'von Moehrig

6' 2", 202 lbsAge: 26

51 Tkl • 1 Sck • 1 Int

Lathan Ransom

6' 0", 206 lbsAge: 23

7 Tkl

Demani Richardson

6' 1", 215 lbsAge: 25

5 Tkl

Robert Rochell

6' 2", 195 lbsAge: 27

111 Tkl • 1 Int

Nick Scott

5' 11", 200 lbsAge: 30

56 Tkl • 1 Int

Chau Smith-Wade

5' 11", 176 lbsAge: 23

David Long Jr.

5' 11", 196 lbsAge: 27

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