BRADENTON, Fla. - There was little doubt that Panthers coach Ron Rivera would address the defense during the offseason.
With a coach such as Rivera, who spent three seasons as the San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator before taking over the Panthers last year, defense was a major issue following the 6-10 finish that saw the Panthers slip to 28th in total defense, allowing 377.6 yards per game.
Rivera says "the biggest problem we had, more than anything last year was staying healthy."
Rivera said injuries to defensive tackle Ron Edwards and veteran linebacker Jon Beason were devastating to a defense that was 25th in the NFL in rush yards allowed (130.8 yards per game) and 24th in passing yards allowed (246.8 yards per game).
The Panthers open at Tampa Bay on Sunday.
AP/ WFMY News 2 Sports