Under head coach Ron Rivera, the Panthers have consistently possessed a strong run defense. They’ve been ranked inside the top 10 three out of the past four years in run defense DVOA. Despite only holding Carlos Hyde to 45 yards in week 1, the Panthers surrendered 5 yards per carry to the former Ohio State star. Carolina’s defense faced a more challenging opponent in LeSean McCoy on Sunday. They overwhelmingly passed the test by holding McCoy to 12 carries for 9 yards.

Gap Integrity

One of the most fundamental qualities of a stout run defense involves gap integrity.

CAR has to play gap integrity football. LB's have to fill gaps. They got caught a couple times against SF. Shady will make you pay. pic.twitter.com/PzxEn9IZTU — Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) September 17, 2017

I mentioned that this was a critical component of stopping LeSean McCoy. Defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks, even mentioned that the gap integrity was instrumental against Shady McCoy.

But what exactly does gap integrity mean? This term comes up frequently during an NFL broadcast. The gaps are the spaces between an offensive linemen. The A gap is between the center and guard. The B gap is between the guard and tackle. The C gap is between the tackle and tight end. Finally, the D gap is outside the tight end. So which gap is each front seven member responsible for?

The Panthers rotate between a 4-3 over and 4-3 under defense. They predominantly played a 4-3 over against Buffalo. The 4-3 over, pictured above, has the 3 technique lined up closer to the strong side. The picture shows the gaps each member of the front seven is expected to occupy. With that being said, let’s review each of LeSean McCoy’s carries to evaluate how they were able to contain him.

LeSean’s Rough Day

Carry 1

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The Bills are running a zone concept with the offensive line down blocking. The success of this run stop comes from Mario Addison setting a hard edge to the play side. Star Lotulelei displays his athleticism by avoiding the cut block. That’s really impressive given his size.

Carry 2

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The gap integrity on this run is on full display. Watch Shaq Thompson. He hits his gap quickly, but doesn’t overrun the play. After the snap, Vernon Butler occupies two blockers. That results in the right guard being late to recognize Thompson. Then, McCoy looks to bounce the run outside. Mike Adams, as the force player, drives down and McCoy is stuffed.

Carry 3

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This was the final play of the first half. Buffalo was looking to run out the block. They run a draw, but McCoy trips on his guard’s feet.

Carry 4

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The next McCoy carry was the 4th down run to begin the 2nd half. Buffalo runs a pitch to the opposite side of the blocking. After McCoy receives the ball in the backfield, he’s in a bad position. The Panthers defense has the numbers advantage. Kurt Coleman and Thomas Davis have the leverage to their advantage because the Bills didn’t put a hat on them. Mario Addison gets off the block as McCoy attempts to bring it back inside.

Carry 5

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This was LeSean McCoy’s longest run of the game. 6 yards. Buffalo runs an inside zone to the right side. The 1 technique, Vernon Butler, gets driven back after the snap by Eric Wood. The linebackers do a nice job of shedding the blocks to stop this run.

Carry 6

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Buffalo runs another inside zone run, but to the opposite side. Once again, they are in 21 personnel. Kyle Love and Mario Addison are primarily responsible for this stop. Addison sits a hard edge while Love gets himself into a great position by winning leverage. There were a lot of questions about Addison’s ability on run defense, but he seems to be answering those questions.

Carry 7

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Buffalo calls a “wham” in order to counter the defensive line getting up field. However, after the left guard and center move to the second level the right guard is too slow to pull. Kawann Short avoids the pull and McCoy is slowed down. Additionally, Wes Horton has a tight end blocking him, but he’s able to get off the block and tackle McCoy.

Carry 8

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McCoy receives an outside zone run on his eighth carry. James Bradberry is the force player. He gets too aggressive and runs downhill when he should have stayed wide. Fortunately for the Panthers, Charles Johnson gets off his block to tackle McCoy’s ankles before more damage is done.

Carry 9

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The defensive line is the front line of winning at the line of scrimmage. The defensive tackles, Kyle Love and Short, each win on this run. Short pushes back the guard while Love avoids the cut block. Thomas Davis reads McCoy’s run and is able to make the tackle. However, the success of this stop comes down to Short and Love winning.

Carry 10

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Buffalo runs wide with the guard pulling to the play side. Luke Kuechly drives down, but Daryl Worley flows hard to McCoy to prevent him from hitting the edge. McCoy is forced to reverse the field, but doesn’t go anywhere.

Carry 11

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This carry looks like it could inflict damage on the defense. The guard and tackle hit their landmarks on the second level. Star gets upfield way too quickly, so the stress is put on Charles Johnson. Johnson has a tight end blocking him, but he does well to get off the block.

Carry 12

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This play was all Julius Peppers. The defense looks confused before the snap, but Peppers avoids the down block and hits McCoy behind the line of scrimmage.

The reason Carolina’s run defense is excelling starts with the defensive line. They are controlling the line of scrimmage, which allows the linebackers to flow to the ball and hit their run fits. The edge rushers are sitting perfect edges, which also lets the linebackers flow to their gaps.

The Saints present an interesting challenge for the Panthers. Adrian Peterson is clearly not the same player he was earlier in his career, but he can still bulldoze any defender. The stiffer challenge will come against Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara. The Panthers will not have the luxury of loading the box against the Saints since Drew Brees can pick any defense apart. If the defensive line can continue to own the line of scrimmage, then the Panthers should continue to see more success in stopping the run.