During the 2019 offseason, one of the Carolina Panthers’ biggest concerns was to address the defensive pass rush. Last year, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees would sit back in the pocket, go to Bojangle’s, order a four-piece combo, come back, and complete bombs to Michael Thomas due of the lack of a productive pass rush. General manager Marty Hurney and the Panthers’ front office had to address this if they wanted to see a significant increase in victories this season. They did just that through the NFL Draft and free agency, and as a result, we are seeing a dominant Panthers defensive line for the first time in quite a while.

This past Sunday, the Panthers sacked quarterback Ryan Tannehill four times, which propelled its defense to first place in total sacks. Eric Reid, Dontari Poe, Shaq Thompson, and Marquis Haynes each registered one sack in another impressive pass rushing showcase against a solid Tennessee Titans offensive line. Tannehill was hit a total of five times during the game. The pressure thrown his way also contributed to his interceptions to Donte Jackson and Tre Boston as well.

This performance happened without the services of Mario Addison, who is dealing with the loss of his brother. Seeing this defense play well without one of its best pass rushers was encouraging to see, and it will be exciting to see Addison play when he is mentally and emotionally ready to touch the field again. The Panthers lead the NFL with a jaw-dropping 34 sacks on the year so far. The team needs this trend to continue if it really wants to entertain a run in the playoffs, especially with a very difficult stretch in the schedule approaching. The stretch starts this week against the Green Bay Packers with its gunslinging legend Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Rodgers can not have a comfortable day in the pocket, or this Sunday will be a long day for the Cardiac Cats. This defense’s pass rush has what it takes, though.