Carolina overhauled its front seven with multiple picks and free-agent adds to boost the rush and run defense, but the middle remains thin after Josey Jewell was released while still in concussion protocol. That hole shows up early as the Panthers try to pressure passers while dealing with a still-developing secondary.

Tight-end coverage is a liability, with miscommunications allowing easy TDs to uncovered targets like Hunter Long, and Rozeboom’s attempts to organize traffic didn’t translate on the field. Facing Pitts/Ottton levels of talent could doom the defense on big days.

Fantasy implications center on Bryce Young and rookies Nic Scourton and Tetairoa McMillan—plus run-game work for Chuba Hubbard—as Week 1 provides a telling test of the Panthers’ new approach and whether the upgraded front can cover up the gaps.