Derrick Brown is the key to improving the Panthers’ defense. But it doesn’t end there.

The Carolina Panthers are in the midst of a crucial rebuilding phase. As they continue to reshape their roster and set the foundation for sustained success, one thing is abundantly clear: their defense must be a cornerstone of the franchise’s future. A defense capable of consistently stifling opponents and creating opportunities for the offense is essential for the Panthers to rise to prominence in the highly competitive NFC South.

While the Panthers have made strides in recent seasons, much of their success will hinge on the performance of one key player: defensive tackle Derrick Brown. Brown, drafted seventh overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance and potential, but his true impact on the Panthers’ defense is still unfolding. As the team continues to build around him, Brown’s ability to anchor the defensive line and disrupt plays will be critical. However, to improve the overall defense, the Panthers will need more than just Brown’s individual efforts. A collaborative approach, combining Brown’s dominance with solid coaching, scheme improvements, and contributions from other key players, will be necessary to elevate the defense to elite status.

This article explores how Derrick Brown can lead the charge in transforming the Panthers’ defense, while also examining the supporting cast, coaching strategies, and other key factors that will determine the Panthers’ success on that side of the ball.

Derrick Brown’s Potential: A Dominant Force in the Middle

Derrick Brown’s arrival in Carolina was met with a great deal of excitement. As a dominant force at Auburn University, Brown was viewed as one of the top defensive prospects in his draft class. The Panthers were in desperate need of a presence in the middle of their defensive line, and Brown’s size, athleticism, and ability to disrupt both the run and pass made him a perfect fit for their system.

At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, Brown is an imposing figure in the trenches. He has the strength to shed blockers and the quickness to make plays in the backfield, earning him recognition as one of the most disruptive interior linemen in the NFL. His ability to collapse the pocket and free up space for his teammates has been evident from his first season, and over time, he has continued to improve in terms of his consistency and technique.

Brown’s growth has been notable since his rookie season, where he finished with 4.0 sacks and 48 tackles. While his impact wasn’t always reflected in gaudy statistics, he consistently drew attention from opposing offensive lines and made it difficult for quarterbacks to feel comfortable in the pocket. His presence also made it easier for other players on the defensive line to succeed, as Brown commanded double teams and allowed edge rushers to find one-on-one opportunities.

In 2023, Brown took another step forward. His ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage was more evident, and he became a more vocal leader on the field. While his statistics might not always jump off the page, it’s his ability to control the line of scrimmage and be a disruptive force that truly sets him apart. For the Panthers to have a top-tier defense, Brown must continue to develop as a dominant presence on the interior and take over games in key moments.

The Importance of Derrick Brown’s Role in the Panthers’ Defense

The defensive line, and specifically the interior defensive line, is the heartbeat of any great defense. A strong defensive line can dictate the tempo of the game, control the line of scrimmage, and allow the linebackers and secondary to play with more freedom. Derrick Brown’s ability to control the line of scrimmage is crucial to the Panthers’ defensive success. His strength, vision, and athleticism allow him to clog running lanes, push the pocket, and create havoc in the backfield.

For the Panthers, this becomes even more important given their defensive scheme under head coach Frank Reich and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. Evero’s defensive system emphasizes creating pressure up the middle and forcing quarterbacks to make quick decisions. This system works best when the interior defensive line, led by players like Brown, is able to create push and disrupt the offensive rhythm. Brown’s role as a space-eater, a pass rusher, and a playmaker is vital to the success of this approach.

In 2024, the Panthers will need Brown to take on an even more significant role. His ability to collapse the pocket on passing downs and stuff the run on early downs will be key to creating favorable third-down situations for the defense. If Brown can continue to demand double teams and draw attention from opposing offensive lines, it will free up other players to make plays. His ability to disrupt the pocket also serves to force quarterbacks to make hurried throws, leading to potential turnovers or incomplete passes.

However, Brown’s impact doesn’t just end with his individual play. His ability to disrupt will directly benefit the other members of the defensive line, particularly the edge rushers. As Brown commands attention in the middle, it will open up opportunities for outside rushers to get to the quarterback. In the modern NFL, pass rushers depend on interior pressure to collapse the pocket and force the quarterback into uncomfortable positions. Brown’s ability to provide that push will be crucial to the success of the Panthers’ edge rushers in 2024.

Supporting Cast: The Need for Complementary Players

While Derrick Brown is the key piece to the Panthers’ defensive line, he cannot carry the burden alone. For the defense to truly become elite, other players must step up and complement his play. The Panthers’ defensive line features other promising talent that can help alleviate pressure on Brown, including edge rushers and rotational defensive linemen.

One player who could make a significant impact alongside Brown is Brian Burns, the Panthers’ standout edge rusher. Burns has emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the league, recording 10.5 sacks in 2023. Burns has the athleticism and explosiveness to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, and he will benefit greatly from the pressure that Brown creates in the middle. As Burns continues to develop and refine his pass-rushing skills, he will need the interior pressure from Brown to allow him to exploit one-on-one opportunities against offensive tackles.

Additionally, the Panthers’ linebacker corps must step up to support the defensive line. Linebackers like Shaq Thompson and Frankie Luvu play a crucial role in filling gaps, covering running backs and tight ends, and providing support in pass coverage. A dominant defensive line allows these linebackers to play more freely, with less responsibility to cover for missed tackles or gaps in the defense. For the Panthers, a strong interior presence in Brown, complemented by the play of their edge rushers and linebackers, can form a cohesive and dangerous defensive front.

Beyond the defensive line, the Panthers will also need continued growth from their secondary, which has shown promise in recent seasons. Cornerbacks like Jaycee Horn and C.J. Henderson have flashed talent, but the secondary’s success will ultimately be tied to the pressure generated by the defensive line. When Brown and the Panthers’ pass rush can force quick throws, it will allow the secondary to capitalize on opportunities to create turnovers and prevent big plays.

Coaching and Scheme Adjustments: The Next Step in the Panthers’ Defense

While individual talent plays a significant role, coaching and scheme adjustments are essential for the Panthers to realize their defensive potential. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has installed a system that emphasizes aggression, flexibility, and versatility. This system is predicated on creating pressure from all areas of the defense, including the interior. Evero has already shown his ability to bring out the best in his players, and his system should help maximize Derrick Brown’s potential.

Evero’s scheme should also continue to allow Brown to thrive in a variety of situations. The ability to line up as a traditional 3-technique defensive tackle or as a nose tackle in odd-man fronts provides Brown with multiple avenues to create havoc. Additionally, Evero’s use of stunts, twists, and blitzes will allow Brown to maximize his pass-rushing ability and force offensive linemen into difficult situations.

The next step in the Panthers’ defensive evolution will be the development of an even more cohesive unit. Brown will be crucial to this effort, but his success will depend on the contributions of the entire defensive line, linebackers, and secondary. If the Panthers can create a more aggressive, disruptive defensive front, they can become one of the league’s most difficult defenses to face.

The Road Ahead: A Transformative Season for the Panthers’ Defense

For the Panthers, the 2024 season represents a critical opportunity to turn their defense into a dominant force. Derrick Brown’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and be disruptive on both running and passing downs is crucial to this effort. As the key piece to the Panthers’ defensive rebuild, Brown’s development will have a direct impact on the team’s success. However, it is not just about Brown — the success of the Panthers’ defense will depend on the complementary players around him and the scheme implemented by Evero.