Panthers' run defense struggles as Evero faces criticism
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 26, 2026, 3:40 PM
Last updated Oct 26, 2026

The Carolina Panthers' defense allowed 258 rushing yards in a 43-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7. This defeat highlighted the Panthers' ongoing issues with run defense, as they lead the league with 153.2 rushing yards allowed per game. Since Ejiro Evero's appointment as defensive coordinator in 2023, the team has recorded a negative expected points added in rush defense. The Panthers will next face the Green Bay Packers, who have struggled on the ground themselves. In light of these statistics, Evero's defensive strategy is under scrutiny, though his staff defends the execution during the recent game.
- •Panthers allowed 258 rushing yards to the Buccaneers.
- •Team has the league's highest average of 153.2 rushing yards allowed per game.
- •Ejiro Evero's defense has a negative expected points added since 2023.
- •Next game is against the Green Bay Packers, who average 59.9 rushing yards per game.
- 3:40 PMYahoo Sports — Insider shares damning stat on DC Ejiro Evero's time with Panthers
"The Panthers have had a uniquely bad run defense since 2023.
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