North Charlotte Today

The Carolina Panthers are working to improve their performance on third downs by focusing on the earlier downs, according to defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. The team is currently ranked 30th in the league with five sacks over four games, with contributions from both down linemen and outside linebackers.

Evero highlighted the importance of creating more favorable pass-rush situations by improving play on first and second downs. "It's a work in progress," Evero stated regarding the outside linebacker group. He emphasized that achieving more third-and-long scenarios would allow for better evaluation of their pass rush capabilities.

Statistics support Evero's observations. Opponents have averaged 5.9 yards to go on third down against the Panthers, placing them 29th in the league. They have only managed to create 14 plays of third-and-7 or longer, ranking them 31st in this category.

Veteran linebacker Jadeveon Clowney acknowledged the team's struggle with short-yardage situations on third down. He noted that staying out of these scenarios is crucial for success: "That's been our whole thing all year long."

Clowney was brought onto the team for his dual ability to impact both run and pass plays. Despite his past success, including 9.5 sacks last season, he has found himself frustrated by missed opportunities this year.

Evero described Clowney's performance as "fine" but stressed that it's important to position him effectively within their defensive schemes: "He's an effective rusher...it's my job to get him in positions where those traits are being featured more often than not."

As they prepare for upcoming games against quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Caleb Williams, Evero mentioned considering different strategies and personnel groupings to enhance their pass rush effectiveness.

Clowney pointed out that successful defense requires teamwork: "The key, to me, is all four people staying in their lanes and everybody rushing as one." He underscored that it takes collective effort from all players on defense to achieve desired results before reaching third-down situations.

Evero reiterated his focus on early downs as critical for setting up advantageous conditions later in drives: "So much is made about third down...but you've got to be better on early downs."