Carolina Panthers: Top questions on defense entering training camp

If the Carolina Panthers want to remain among one of the best defenses in the NFL, these are the top questions they must answer entering 2018.

The Carolina Panthers have found a winning formula for sustaining success on the defensive side of the ball. This past season the defense finished seventh in yards allowed per game (317.1), 11th in points (20.4) and third in sacks (50). This was actually their fourth straight year finishing in the Top 6 in sacks.

While the Panthers bring back most of their defense this season including players like Luke Kuechly and Kawann Short, two of the best at their position, the Panthers have plenty of questions that will need to be worked out during training camp.

This defense must find a way to work in new starters on the defensive line and in the secondary but the biggest change may be on the sideline. For the third straight season, the Panthers will have a new defensive coordinator. After the 2016 season, long time defensive coordinator Sean McDermott left for the head coaching position with the Buffalo Bills. He was replaced by Steve Wilks, however he only lasted one season after accepting the head coaching job with the Arizona Cardinals.

This has opened up the opportunity for Eric Washington, who was promoted for the defensive coordinator. This is his first time in the position after being defensive line coach for the past six years.

This change is one of the first of five top question for the Carolina Panthers’ defense heading into the 2018 season.