Charlotte's Defensive Punch Coming From United Front

A Charlotte defensive lineman helps up another during a practice drill. The differences and commonalities of a hand's five fingers mimic a defensive line.

Each features different wrinkles, power and best uses. Outward violence and aggression are the goals for Charlotte's deepening group of defensive linemen and its collective punch, but it starts with inward camaraderie and acknowledgment of differences.

Trips to the blocking sleds are where the furiousness is harnessed and witnessed in action, but not the only place. Cookouts and NCAA Football 25 play just as large a role, albeit a different one, for the 49ers and their drive to be the best group in the nation.

A hand is lesser without five…