1.Will there be changes to the defensive staff?
This also could potentially be worded: How pervasive will the changes to the defensive staff be? David Tepper notably retained Frank Reich’s entire defensive staff for Canales — led by Ejiro Evero, who was blocked by Tepper from interviewing for other coordinator positions. Tepper has stayed behind the scenes during the seventh consecutive losing season since he bought the team. But it’s hard to envision Tepper running it back with the same defensive staff, which didn’t have ties to Canales in the first place. The Panthers already have established franchise highs for rushing yards (2,830) and points (496) allowed, and will finish among the worst teams in NFL history in both categories. Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn said early-season injuries — to Pro Bowl defensive end Derrick Brown and linebacker Shaq Thompson — hurt the defense’s chemistry