Carolina Panthers 2010s all-decade defense
By Luke Tucker
Cornerbacks
Josh Norman
Although he had just one “dominant” season in his Panthers career, it would be foolish to exclude Josh Norman from the all-decade team. Norman’s fiery personality was thrust into the spotlight during Carolina’s Super Bowl run in 2015, as he broke out as arguably the best cornerback in the league, and as most Panthers fans know, began a heated rivalry between himself and Odell Beckham. Norman had four interceptions–including two pick-sixes–during that 2015 season, and was elected to his only Pro Bowl and All-Pro team. Following the loss in Super Bowl 50, Norman left for Washington, where he has struggled throughout large parts of his tenure.
James Bradberry
Drafted in 2016 as the replacement for Norman, James Bradberry’s quiet nature has been outshined by his impressive play, particularly over the past two seasons. Bradberry has a career-high three interceptions in 2019, and for the first time since Chris Gamble nearly a decade ago, has emerged as a reliable long-term option at cornerback. The Panthers will likely give him a big contract extension this offseason, and will look to build the defense around him, Thompson, and Kuechly. Don’t be surprised if he makes his first Pro Bowl this January.