Five reasons why the Carolina Panthers won’t be the top seed in the NFC

4. Defense can’t bail you out each week

The Panthers are aiming high, as they boast one of the league’s top defenses that can lead them to a Super Bowl title. The unit has been the catalyst for the team’s recent success throughout the team’s undefeated campaign.

Carolina is giving up just 18.6 points-per-game and has allowed 20 or more points just five times this season. The other defensive stat that stands out is that the Panthers are leading the league in takeaways with 28 (18 interceptions and 10 recovered fumbles) this year. Plus, the unit has collectively scored an NFL-leading five defensive touchdowns.

Sometimes, a great defensive secondary will blow pass coverage in tight games. Each starter must have the confidence that the coaching staff will make the right adjustments before they head back onto the field. This unit loves to shutdown the opposing teams outside threats, but if there is a lapse in coverage, don’t be surprised when an alert quarterback takes full advantage of the breakdown in the scheme package downfield.

A lack of a pass rush has to be a concern for Rivera and his defensive coaching staff as they trudge into the final stanza of the regular season. The Panthers better get creative in trying to gain some form of a pass rush, or opposing teams will easily move down field in a tic-tac-toe passing attack. The best course to rectifying this problem might be using different combinations until they find the right fit.

Next: Running game must stay stout