The Carolina Panthers concluded their disastrous 2024-25 NFL campaign by allowing a staggering 534 points, officially setting the record for the worst defensive performance in league history. The Panthers’ defense, led by embattled coordinator Ejiro Evero, proved incapable of stopping anyone, culminating in a humiliating Week 18 showing against the Atlanta Falcons, where All-Pro candidate Bijan Robinson ran roughshod for 157 yards and two touchdowns.
A Season of Defensive Woes
From the very start, the Panthers’ defense seemed destined for failure:
- Week 1: Surrendered 47 points to Derek Carr and the Saints.
- Week 7: Allowed 40 points to a Marcus Mariota-led Commanders team.
- Week 17: Gave up 48 points to Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, setting a franchise record for time of possession allowed in a single game.
The consistent inability to stop both the run and the pass has defined a season marred by lapses in execution, questionable coaching schemes, and a plague of injuries.
Injuries Ravage the Panthers’ Roster
While injuries aren’t the sole reason for the defensive collapse, they’ve been a significant factor:
- Derrick Brown: Lost in Week 1 to a knee injury, removing Carolina’s most imposing defensive lineman.
- Jaycee Horn: Missed the final two games, leaving the secondary vulnerable.
- Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, DJ Wonnum, and Trevin Wallace: Missed significant stretches, gutting the linebacker corps.
These absences left the Panthers relying on unproven backups, who struggled mightily against NFL offenses.
Coaching Questions Loom Large
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero faces mounting scrutiny for his schemes, particularly his reliance on a 3-4 base defense that has been consistently shredded by opposing rushing attacks. Under Evero:
- Carolina ranked last in rushing defense.
- The defense gave up historically bad performances week after week, including multiple career days for opposing running backs and quarterbacks alike.
Critics argue that Evero failed to adjust to personnel limitations and opposing game plans, leading to a unit that appeared lost on the field.
Bijan Robinson Delivers Final Blow
In the season finale, Bijan Robinson epitomized the Panthers’ defensive ineptitude. The Falcons’ star running back gashed Carolina for 157 yards and two touchdowns, effortlessly exploiting the gaping holes in Evero’s scheme. It was another career day for an opponent, adding to the long list of players who feasted on Carolina’s porous defense.
A New Low for the Panthers
Carolina’s defensive performance this season has officially surpassed the 1981 Baltimore Colts, who previously held the record for most points allowed in a season (533). This dubious distinction underscores the Panthers’ need for sweeping changes on the defensive side of the ball.
What’s Next for Carolina?
As the Panthers enter the offseason, major questions loom:
- Coaching Overhaul: With Evero’s system under fire, will the team look for a new defensive coordinator?
- Roster Rebuild: Injuries exposed a lack of depth that must be addressed in free agency and the draft.
- Draft Strategy: Carolina’s high draft pick will likely focus on bolstering the defensive line or secondary.
The Panthers’ front office faces an uphill battle to rebuild credibility and competitiveness. Without decisive action, the once-proud franchise risks further descent into irrelevance.
