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Panthers’ run defense is proving better than its ugly numbers suggest

The Carolina Panthers have given people plenty of reasons to criticize their run defense this season, but they are improving.

By Garrett Klaus · Cat Crave

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 4:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Writer Garrett Klaus argues Carolina's run defense is better than its 5.4 yards per carry average suggests.
A Week 1 loss to Chicago, allowing 291 rushing yards, heavily skewed Carolina's season totals.
Carolina limited top running backs Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs to 118 combined yards on 31 carries.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Cat Crave's Garrett Klaus argues that the Carolina Panthers' run defense is performing much better than overall statistical metrics indicate. While Carolina allowed 626 rushing yards and an average of 5.4 yards per carry through four games, Klaus points out that a 291-yard Week 1 performance against the Chicago Bears heavily skewed those totals.

Since that opening defeat, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's unit has contained top NFL rushers. Carolina limited Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs to a combined 118 yards on 31 carries, while also holding Cleveland's Quinshon Judkins to 70 rushing yards.

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Panthers’ run defense is proving better than its ugly numbers suggest

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