Making headway on covering tight ends
Among the defensive adjustments the Panthers made last week, the job they did slowing down Dolphins tight end Darren Waller was particularly impressive.
That had been a problem in previous games as well, as the Panthers allowed tight ends to make a number of plays in the first four games.
Waller had five catches for 78 yards and a touchdown in the first half and finished the game with five catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. That second-half shutout, along with a run defense that held Miami to 19 yards on the ground and a season-high three-sack performance, were part of an overall improved effort.
“I think as the game went through, we were able to make some adjustments,” defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero said Wednesday. “Not just myself, but as a staff, and just kind of seeing how they were going to attack us. When we prepared for Miami, so much of it obviously featured what (injured wide receiver) Tyreek Hill was going to do, and so there are some in-game adjustments that needed to be made.
“And part of it is, hey, give him credit as well. He’s a heck of a player. He made some plays as well, but we were certainly able to make some adjustments on in-game, communicate better, execute a little bit better, and then at the same time, when you get the pass rush going as well, that helps.”