Welcome to the newest edition of the Weekly Stat Review! Losses are piling up for the Carolina Panthers. After a 3rd straight loss, everyone is asking more questions than there seem to be answers as the season approaches the midway point.
The storyline of this being the first week of Interim Defensive Coordinator Todd Wash’s tenure has been overshadowed by a number of different conversations surrounding the game, but the defense seemed to improve to at least a serviceable level against a Sean Payton offense despite still lacking any sort of pash rush.
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Let’s take a look.
Percentage of plays that qualify as an explosive play. Explosive plays being a carry of 10 or more yards or a pass attempt gaining 20 or more yards.
Week 9 vs. DEN: 12.9%
2026 average: 9.5% (14th in NFL)
2025: 8.8% (23rd in NFL)
Percentage of dropbacks with a pressure or sack allowed
Week 9 vs. DEN: 11.6%
2025: 30.9%
Rate of 3rd downs that converted to 1st downs.
Week 9 vs. DEN: 30%
2026 average: 37.7% (22nd in NFL)
2025: 36.5% (25th in NFL)
Percentage of coverage snaps spent in a zone defense.
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2026 average: 82% (10th in NFL)
2025: 78% zone coverage
Percentage of pass rush opportunities that resulted in a sack or pressure.
Week 9 vs. DEN: 7.7%
2026 average: 11.0% (32nd in NFL)
2025: 10.1% (31st in NFL)
Rate of 3rd downs allowed to be converted into 1st downs.
Week 9 vs. DEN: 60%
2026 average: 47.7% (29th in NFL)
2025: 48.1% (32nd in NFL)
Bryce Young’s 4th quarter completion of 25 yards to John Metchie extended the quarterback’s streak of games with a completion of at least 25 yards to 10 games. This is the longest current streak in the NFL.
