Panthers vs Falcons defensive preview: The defense needs a strong bounce back

Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty ImagesIt’s starting to look like the 2019 version of the Carolina Panthers defense isn’t so different than the 2018 version after all. Last year’s defense started the year strong but progressively got worse as the year went along. This unit seems to be doing the same thing, only this time they’re buoyed by a very good pass rush and an increase in turnover luck.

The apparent trade off for the increase in splash plays is a run defense that couldn’t stop you or me from popping off a respectable four yards per carry. I’ve long advocated that run defense isn’t important, but there is a limit to that. You can’t let your opponents repeatedly pick up huge chunks of yards…