2013 defense vs end of 2014 defense

[pantherking15]

We were 6th against the pass in 2013. Where do people get we had a poor secondary. We gave up more almost 800 yards passing in the last 4 games of 2014 and that included Tampa and Cleveland who had incredibly poor passing attacks. We averaged 214 yards a game passing in 2013 and close to that during the last of 2014. Don't really see 2014 as that much better balanced.

That was largely due to having the best front 7 in the league. A DB's job becomes significantly easier with a stifling run defense and constant QB hurries/QB hits/QB sacks. After the 2013 season, Drayton Florence, Quintin Mikell went unsigned and Captain Munnerlynn, Mike Mitchell played sub-par on their new teams.

But, the most telling stat of the 2013 secondary: they were ranked 29th in completion percentage allowed to the opposing QB.

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?seasonType=REG&offensiveStatisticCategory=null&d-447263-n=1&d-447263-o=2&d-447263-p=1&d-447263-s=PASSING_COMPLETION_PERCENTAGE&tabSeq=2&season=2013&role=OPP&Submit=Go&archive=true&conference=null&defensiveStatisticCategory=TEAM_PASSING&qualified=false

This means when our pass rush couldn't get to the QB, our defense could be picked apart like it did on MNF vs the Patriots, SNF vs the Saints, and the playoff game vs the 49ers.

[caatfan]

We were 6th against the pass in 2013. Where do people get we had a poor secondary.

I don't know about calling it poor, but I think it's clear the front propped up the back in '13. Opposing QB's were rushed and in a lot of cases receivers weren't getting passes in the right spot or at the right time. It was easier on the DBs. Norman certainly improved last season and helped the secondary hold its own better. I think we're in even better shape in the DB for this season. Hopefully Johnson gets some help at the other DE position and the D is better on both ends.

[TheNewStandard]

I think it really comes down to our starters staying healthy, how Shaq, Ealy and Big Frank perform...not to mention Gavin Star return to his play of '13 and a big improvement from our special teams to help keep us with at least a longer run at the opposition getting short fields on their offensive side. With improvements out of Bene', Tre and continued improvement from Norman...I think Shaq's ability to play in coverage and more strength to stop the run game, this defense could be truly special among former Panther D's. Don't forget that CJ was pretty Gimpy and it appeared that they both finally got going at the last 1/4 of the season. If everyone can keep it healthy and consistent, this could be one of the best D's in the league. Gotta upgrade over,(and I really don't like criticizing our players,) but Roman Harper has got to be upgraded somehow..and hopefully Shaq is the answer to that bugaboo.

[panthers55]

That was largely due to having the best front 7 in the league. A DB's job becomes significantly easier with a stifling run defense and constant QB hurries/QB hits/QB sacks. After the 2013 season, Drayton Florence, Quintin Mikell went unsigned and Captain Munnerlynn, Mike Mitchell played sub-par on their new teams.

But, the most telling stat of the 2013 secondary: they were ranked 29th in completion percentage allowed to the opposing QB.

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?seasonType=REG&offensiveStatisticCategory=null&d-447263-n=1&d-447263-o=2&d-447263-p=1&d-447263-s=PASSING_COMPLETION_PERCENTAGE&tabSeq=2&season=2013&role=OPP&Submit=Go&archive=true&conference=null&defensiveStatisticCategory=TEAM_PASSING&qualified=false

This means when our pass rush couldn't get to the QB, our defense could be picked apart like it did on MNF vs the Patriots, SNF vs the Saints, and the playoff game vs the 49ers.

No question that the front seven made the DBs job much easier. As individuals they weren't great but as a unit pretty good together. As for completion percentage being high, our type of defense that encouraged teams to throw quickly to guys before the pressure gets there. You have a bunch not completions but not yards per completion. We let you catch it underneath and made the sure tackle. Otherwise it goes for a big gain.