Panthers quietly found their true identity when no one was watching

Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn | Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThe Carolina Panthers' defense, which set an NFL record for most points allowed in 2024 and gave up over 200 rushing yards in seven straight games, is suddenly one of the hottest units in football.

Three straight wins. Three consecutive games holding opponents under 81 yards rushing. And now, a defense hitting franchise milestones that haven’t been seen in years.

Carolina's six-point suffocation of the New York Jets might have been the most complete defensive performance of the Dave Canales era. Even though the offense punted six times and managed just 13 points, the Panthers walked away with the…