After breaking down all of the many layers in the Carolina run game, it's time to change gears and look at this Panthers defense. This is a scheme from head coach Ron Rivera and new defensive coordinator Eric Washington, who was promoted to the role this offseason. There has been some tinkering with it but it's very similar to what we've seen from Carolina in the past.

This is a base 4-3 team that typically relies on its four-man rush. They don't blitz often compared to most teams in the NFL, maybe a little more than last year's squad but not by much. It's primarily a zone coverage defense, and the linebackers are given a lot of responsibilities. Not only do the Panthers hang in base more than most teams, but they'll also play in a "big nickel" package that consists of three defensive linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs. They trust their linebackers to rush the passer, play the run, and cover. Let's look at the personnel, starting in the secondary.

At safety, Mike Adams and Eric Reid are listed as the starters. Adams plays primarily towards the line of scrimmage and over the tight end, but he can be found deep as well because they do present some two-high safety looks. Reid, signed on September 27, plays mostly on the back end but will rotate down into the box as well. He was a dime linebacker last year in San Francisco, so he has that experience near the line of scrimmage. The team will mix in rookie second-round pick Rashaan Gaulden as well as a single-high player. They likely view him as their free safety of the future.

I've been impressed by the starting corners on film. James Bradberry, a third-year corner out of Samford, has great size, is instinctive, and competitive. Rookie Donte Jackson is built differently. He's lacking in size and has much better athleticism and long speed, but they play the game in a similar fashion.