Carolina Panthers defense has improved dramatically in one key area, but a lingering flaw still limits the unit's overall impact

In the NFL, having a good run game on offense and defense usually leads to continued success more often than not and that's something the Carolina Panthers have been able to experience the last two weeks pulling off back-to-back wins to get back to .500.

The run game, powered by Rico Dowdle, has been lethal on offense. And the run game defensively has been suffocating against two strong rushing offenses.

The defensive turnaround in that regard has been the most notable improvement for the team in 2025. Last season, the Panthers allowed over 3,000 yards on the ground and gave up 179.8 rushing yards per game. Over the last two weeks, the team has allowed exactly 50 rushing yards total and rebounded from a rough start in Week 1.

What's been the difference? For starters, the team got Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown back from injury after missing all of last year and the emphasis on building the trenches through free agency and the draft by general manager Dan Morgan.

That kind of improvement has made a major difference for this entire team, but other flaws defensively are still holding the unit back and forcing the offense to pick up the slack.

Pass defense limitations are still holding the Panthers back and continue to be exposed

While the run game has been a resounding success defensively, the team is still struggling to defend against the pass in the secondary and at the linebacker position. Part of that is due to a struggling pass rush but regardless, allowing 214 passing yards per game isn't ideal.

Specifically, two areas have been exposed by opposing offenses this season and it's picking on cornerback Mike Jackson and the defense's inability to cover tight ends.

Starting with Jackson, the Panthers' veteran cornerback was expected to be a heavily targeted player lining up opposite Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn. Entering Week 5, Jackson had only been targeted 18 times, but allowed the sixth-most yards with 210 (19.1 yards per reception).

In Week 6, the Dallas Cowboys knew going after Jackson would be an advantage and kept putting their top weapon in George Pickens against him, who finished the game with 168 yards and one touchdown. Eventually, the Panthers figured things out and put Horn on Pickens late in the game.