Panthers aiming to break the all-time sack record

The Carolina Panthers led the league in sacks last season with 60. They’re looking to lead the league in sacks again next year, and not just for the 2014 season, but to break the single season record.

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That record is 72, set by the 1984 Chicago Bears.

“The goal is to surpass that and get up there with the big dogs of the past years,” Panthers’ veteran defensive tackle Colin Cole said, via David Newton of ESPN.com. “We want to set records as well.

“For us as a defensive line, that’s where our goal is. Maybe that’s just me talking on my behalf. But if you don’t shoot for the stars, you’ll never reach the moon.”

The Panthers certainly have the talent to make another run at it. Last year, Greg Hardy had 15.0 and Charles Johnson 11.0 sacks. Cole, who made the statement, had just one sack last year and would need to step up to help the Panthers get to that mark.

“It was really the perfect storm in terms of personnel,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. “The nice thing is our guys have that kind of confidence. We have some good pass-rushers. That’s what it is. You have to have a combination.”

Coincidently, Rivera was a rookie on the 1984 Bears team though he didn’t record a sack to contribute to the record.