The Carolina Panthers have struggled to contain opposing team's rushing attacks. That continued on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. After losing the game 24-16, Ron Rivera admits that there is ‘no magic fix' for the team's poor run defense.
On Sunday, Carolina's defense was gashed by Green Bay for 163 yards on 27 attempts and three touchdowns. With the Packers scoring all three of their touchdowns on the ground, the run defense was the biggest reason why the Panthers lost.
Altogether, the Panthers' run defense ranks 29th in the NFL, allowing an average of 136.7 rushing yards per game. For a team that prides itself on having a tough-nosed defense, their run defense is quite alarming.
Carolina has allowed over 100 rushing yards in eight of their nine games played thus far. The only game that they allowed fewer than 100 yards came in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Article Continues BelowNot to take anything away from the Panthers, but the Buccaneers aren't really known to be a run-oriented offense. The struggles of Carolina's defense are even more peculiar when you consider the talent on that side of the ball.
From Luke Kuechly to Gerald McCoy, the Panthers have plenty of capable players on their roster. Yes, the defense is missing Kawaan Short, but the issues can be attributed to more than just his absence.
Lucikly for Ron Rivera and the Panthers, they will face the Atlanta Falcons next in Week 11. The Falcons only average 76.8 rushing yards per game (29th in the NFL) and will be without Devonta Freeman.