One of the Carolina Panthers‘ newest defenders thinks their pass rush can go from worst to first.
ESPN’s David Newton recently chatted with outside linebacker Pat Jones II, who signed with the Panthers as a free agent earlier this offseason. Jones comes over from an awfully impressive Minnesota Vikings defense—one that ranked first in takeaways (33), fourth in sacks (49) and second in QB pressure rate (44.4 percent) this past season.
And despite a historically-bad campaign by Carolina’s defense in 2024, the 26-year-old seems to believe his new unit can be similar—or even better—than his last.
“I definitely think we could do something similar, if not better,” Jones said, via Newton. “I’ve seen it before, so I know what it looks like. I look around the building and see we have exactly what it takes to do that.”
Unlike the suffocating Minnesota defense, the Carolina defense had trouble getting their hands on opposing passers in 2024. The Panthers amassed the third-fewest sacks (33) and the lowest QB pressure rate (22.7 percent).
Oh, and they also allowed the most points by any team in any season ever.
In addition to reeling in Jones on a two-year, $15 million deal, the Panthers inked defensive linemen Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III off the open market. They were able to draft two second-round pass rushers in Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen as well.
So the future for Carolina’s pass rush is looking brighter, even if it’s ultimately not as bright as one of the very best in football.
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