The Carolina Panthers continue to struggle with their pass rush, recording a league-low 27 sacks in 2023 and only slightly improving to 32 the following year. This inconsistency has raised concerns, especially with their top sack leaders, Jadeveon Clowney and A’Shawn Robinson, both achieving just 5.5 sacks. The team lost a key player, Brian Burns, who was traded to the New York Giants, where he totaled 8.5 sacks last season.

Looking ahead, the Panthers may focus on enhancing their pass rush in the upcoming draft. Analysts suggest the team could draft Kyle Kennard, a promising pass-rusher from South Carolina who had an impressive season, accumulating 11.5 sacks and demonstrating explosive physicality. Kennard's performance signals potential improvement for the Panthers' defensive front if selected.

In 2024, the New York Giants' defense experienced ups and downs under new coordinator Shane Bowen, finishing 24th overall, a slight improvement from the previous year's ranking.

Despite ranking 27th against the run and 8th against the pass, the team struggled against big plays, allowing 49 passes of 20 or more yards. Key performers included Dexter Lawrence II, Brian Burns, Tre Hawkins III, and rookie Dru Phillips, each contributing significantly despite challenges, including injuries.

The New York Giants faced internal trust issues during the 2024 season, exacerbated by a contentious incident involving cornerback Nick McCloud prior to a pivotal game against the Dallas Cowboys. Reports surfaced that Giants general manager Joe Schoen pressured McCloud to accept a pay cut, even suggesting he would cut the player if he couldn’t be replaced quickly. The tension was palpable as Schoen allegedly warned McCloud’s representatives not to worry about paying rent, indicating his willingness to part ways without hesitation.

McCloud, who signed a one-year tender worth $2.9 million as a restricted free agent, played a significant role in the Cowboys game, participating in 37 defensive snaps. Despite the uneasy situation, the Giants delayed his release, likely hoping to gain assets before the trade deadline. Ultimately, McCloud was waived on November 5 and subsequently joined the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad, appearing in the final games of the season. His release and the management’s actions impacted team morale, given McCloud’s popularity within the locker room.

The Carolina Panthers have decided to retain Ejiro Evero as their defensive coordinator despite a historically poor defensive performance last season. This decision comes from new head coach Dave Canales, who embodies a strong belief in retaining staff even amidst adversity. Evero, once a sought-after head coaching candidate, faced a significant talent drain in 2024, losing key players like Brian Burns and facing numerous injuries to starters such as Derrick Brown and Shaq Thompson.

The Panthers' leadership believes in the importance of continuity, hoping that patience will pay off similar to the turnaround seen with the Detroit Lions. By keeping Evero, the Panthers aim to build a cohesive strategy and foster improvement in their defense moving forward.

The Carolina Panthers are optimistic about their future, despite not making the postseason. Bryce Young, the team's second-year quarterback, showcased his potential by throwing 21 touchdowns in his last ten games, including a standout performance in a critical overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons. General Manager Dan Morgan now faces the challenge of fixing a historically poor defense while solidifying Young's position as the franchise quarterback.

Young, who was initially benched this season, has earned the confidence of head coach Dave Canales, who stated that Young will remain the starter moving forward. His teammate, Tommy Tremble, praised Young's resilience and ability to overcome adversity. The Panthers' defensive struggles continue, as they broke an NFL record for points allowed in a season, raising questions about the future of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and the entire defensive staff.