Will the Panthers’ defensive futility cost Ejiro Evero his job?

DONALD WATKINS | THE CHARLOTTE POST

The Carolina Panthers are on pace to break the NFL record for points allowed in a single season now held by the 1981 Baltimore Colts (533). The Panthers have conceded a franchise-worst 497 points going into Sunday's game at the Atlanta Falcons.

Sitting at his locker following Thursday’s practice, Shy Tuttle was polite, but honest.

The Carolina Panthers defensive lineman didn’t feel like answering questions regarding the team nearing all-time NFL marks in defensive futility. If the Panthers, who have yielded more than 200 yards rushing five consecutive weeks, surrender more than 170 to the Atlanta Falcons in Sunday’s season finale, they will become the fourth team in league history to allow at least 3,000 yards.

Entering Week 18, the Panthers ranked last in points allowed per game (31.0) and yards allowed (396.3).

Is it scheme?

Coaching?

Personnel?

Coach Dave Canales continues to support defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and his 3-4 base defense, despite near-historical inefficacy. After yielding 30 points to the visiting Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 15, Canales was asked if he remained committed to them.  

He responded sharply: “Absolutely.”

Will 3-4 base survive offseason moves?

How bad have the Panthers played on defense this season?  

Consider two things:

• They allowed at least 200 yards rushing in seven of 16 outings this season. Only one squad has surrendered more than Carolina (2,830) during a 17-game campaign: the 2022 Houston Texans (2,894). The 1978 Buffalo Bills hold the record of 3,228.

• They surrendered a franchise-record 496 points this season, 37 points shy of matching the 1981 Baltimore Colts’ all-time mark.

The Panthers shattered their previous mark of yielding 470 points in 2019 after last week’s 48-14 loss to Tampa Bay, who gained 551 yards on offense.

Injuries consistently plagued the Panthers since Week 1 when Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown sustained a season-ending knee injury. Starting inside linebacker Shaq Thompson (Achilles) exited in Week 4.

They were eventually joined by one-time starters Trevin Wallace, Claudin Cherelus and Chau Smith-Wade.  

Expected contributors Jadeveon Clowney, Josey Jewell, D.J. Wonnum, Amare Barno and Jaden Crumedy also missed time, cutting into the front seven’s depth.

“We just need to finish strong,” said reserve outside linebacker Cam Gill, a five-year veteran who added he has never been part of a team with so many injuries to key personnel. At 4-12 and out of the playoffs for a sixth straight season, Gill pointed to the players’ focus in the finale.

“We’re more focused on playing for the guy next to us, coaches and people who are in this building,” he said.

Going against dynamic running back Bijan Robinson and facing an 8-8 Falcons squad still in postseason contention, cornerback Dane Jackson said the defense is taking the challenge “personally” to avoid establishing new futility marks.

“It’s important, for sure,” he said. “We take pride in what we do. We’re not going to go out and lie down. We’re going to finish strong.”

DC Ejiro Evero facing uncertain offseason

To do so, the Panthers will need to accomplish something they haven’t done all season – stop an opposing run game. They also may need to do so in order to save Evero’s job and his schematic vision.

The players have heard the rumors. Offseason defensive changes obviously need to be executed by first-year general manager Dan Morgan. But how much will the litany of injuries play a part in the upcoming decisions?

Jackson avoided that question.

“That’s above me,” he said, holding out his hands. “I don’t get into that. “I love E.J. I think he’s a great coach.”

Affection for Evero, who has another season on his contract, appears strong within the locker room despite the statistics. Panthers’ brass did not allow Evero to pursue parallel coordinator positions with other teams last winter.

Did it backfire?

Do the Panthers have the roster to field a robust 3-4 defense?

Canales still believes.

“I love this scheme,” he said. “I know what it looks like when it’s done well.”

Can it be done with this unit?

Atlanta’s Robinson enters the finale fourth in the NFL in rushing with 1,286 yards. In the NFC South rivals’ initial meeting this season, Robinson rushed for 95 yards and scored two touchdowns in a 38-20 Falcons win at Bank of America Stadium on Oct. 13.

With offseason questions lying dormant for another few days, the Panthers on Thursday attempted to promote the announcement of cornerback Jaycee Horn earning Pro Bowl recognition, not answering inquiries over the long-term viability of the 3-4.

“Yeah ... it’s been tough,” Gill said. “I love (Evero) as a coach and a guy. Just the mindset and culture he embodies. The stats are telling, but this thing’s going to get right.”

But will Evero be around when – if – the prolonged rebuild finally develops a contender?  

“I'm honestly not worried about that at all,” Evero said Thursday. “I'm solely focused on the Falcons.”

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