Panthers Aren’t Panicking about the Pass Rush

The Panthers sacked Dak Prescott six times in their season opener five weeks ago.  Since that game, they’ve only gotten to the quarterback three times (twice versus the Bengals and once versus the Giants).  It’s a noticeable stat, especially for a defense that historically prides itself  on having a stout pass rush, but defense leader Julius Peppers is not ready to hit the panic button.

We’re winning, but we do need to do a better job picking up the rush.  And we will.  We prepare very well.  It’s not coming from us not practicing hard or not being prepared.  It’s just not happening in the games yet, but it will come.  We’ll pick it up.

Ron Rivera echoed the same message of patience and confidence that this trend won’t continue.

You just have to stay patient and do your job.  Be physical and things will happen.

Peppers hit the nail on the head.  The bottom line here is that the Panthers are winning despite their lack of pass rush, so as a defensive unit they can afford to stay patient.  But that muted sense of urgency will drastically change if the Panthers lose and it must change if this team plans to follow their Super Bowl aspirations.