In Sundays 26-24 loss against the Cleveland Browns the Carolina Panthers run defense allowed 217 rushing yards on 5.5 yards a carry. Nick Chubb accounted for 141 yards, with Kareem Hunt chipping in two touchdowns on the ground.
Cleveland was able to run every different way versus the Panthers. It didn’t matter if it was between or outside the tackles the Browns were able to get positive yardage on almost every single down.
One of the biggest issues was that from a size perspective the Panthers defensive line wasn’t even comparable to the Browns. Even former first round pick defensive tackle Derrick Brown(320lb) looked miniature compared to the offensive line of Cleveland’s.
Overall the run defense looked pathetic in all aspects. The team lacked effort and was out physical throughout the whole game. There was no push by Carolina’s defensive guys upfront, leaving the secondary to make most of the stops in the run game.
This was not a great way to kickoff the season especially at home in front of anxious Carolina fans. Coming into the season many saw Carolina as being one of the best defenses in the league, and on Sunday they looked the complete opposite.
It’s only week one but you cant ask for a better test than the Cleveland Browns, whose arguably been the best team in the league in regards of running the football over the last couple seasons.
Defensive coordinator Phil Snow and head coach Matt Rhule have to find a solution quick, cause next week Carolina heads to New York to face Saquon Barkley and the Giants, who had 164 yards on the ground against Tennessee Titans.
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