Ron Rivera is not blind to the Panther’s offseason needs and knows his fifth-to-last defense is the main area of concern. “That’s one of our priorities – to improve on the defensive side,” Rivera said. The Panthers have also gone on record to say that they will draft the best available player with their first-round pick, and won’t blindly pick a defensive player just, because it is where they have need. They can always trade a talented offensive player for more defense, if that is the route they decide to go, then they could get a lot back for the number 8 or 9 pick.
“We need help pretty much all over,” Rivera said. “It’s not just at defensive back. You have to have a pass rush. You’ve got to be able to put pressure on the quarterback. It’s a combination of both of those. We’ve got a quality corps of players, and we’re counting on some players to come back healthy.”
The Panthers underwent some admittedly trying circumstances in last season’s first few weeks. They lost veteran defensive tackle Ron Edwards to a tricep injury during training camp, former probowl linebacker Jon Beason in week 1, and linebacker Thomas Davis in week 2.
“There were so many circumstances last year that were beyond our control in terms of the injuries we suffered. Part of it is that we’ve got to access our depth and where we’re headed with that, and I think there are some needs that we most certainly need to field, whether it be through free agency or the draft. We also have to continue to develop the players we have.”
There is also the thought that the Panthers offense will be even better in 2012, which must be a frightening thought to the rest of the NFC South. Rivera also pointed out that Cam has almost never had two years in a row with the same coordinator, and thinks it will serve Cam well.
“The last four years, Cam has had a different voice as his offensive coordinator. For the first time, he’s going to have the same voice back-to-back years,” Rivera said. “Continuity is important. I’m excited for the potential for growth.”
It will be exciting to see what the Panthers do in the next few weeks, and if they do not address defensive concerns in the NFL draft’s first round, they will be sure to do so in the later rounds and free agency.
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