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How a recent Super Bowl winning team will have major impact on Panthers defense

The Carolina Panthers are still in search of their first Lombardi Trophy. In recent years, they’ve added a few defenders with some Super Bowl champion pedigree.
Russell Baxter|
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) celebrates against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) celebrates against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Carolina Panthers

In 2024, the Carolina Panthers’ defense was a horror show—and that’s being polite. This offseason, general manager Dan Morgan added some pieces both via the draft and free agency to aid its cause. It’s that former aspect of player acquisition that is worth noting.

ESPN’s David Newton points out the connections between some current Panthers and former Rams who were part of the latter’s Super Bowl LVI title campaign in 2021.

Panthers’ defense hopes to benefit from members of a Super Bowl title team

“Defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson, inside linebacker Christian Rozeboom, nose tackle Bobby Brown III and safety Nick Scott are all expected to play prominent roles in (Ejiro) Evero’s 3-4 scheme. Each of them played on that Super Bowl LVI champion team, giving Carolina only two fewer Rams from that squad than the current Los Angeles team has. Robinson and Scott were with the Panthers last season, while Rozeboom and Brown came over from the Rams during the offseason.

Bobby Brown II
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Bobby Brown III (95) tackles Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images | Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images

“The coaching staff also has a strong Rams influence,” added Newton. “Beyond Evero (2017-21), there is outside linebackers coach AC Carter (2023-24) and passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley (2020-22).”

Robinson actually tied for the team lead with 5.5 sacks in 2024. In his first season with the Panthers a year ago, Scott played in just 10 games. However, what’s intriguing is that in 2021 with the Rams, he made just one start during the regular season but was in the opening lineup for all four postseason games for Sean McVay’s title team.

Evero is entering his third season as the Panthers’ defensive coordinator. Morgan has surrounded him with playoff-tested veterans and some promising rookies. His unit can’t afford to have a second consecutive disastrous showing.

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Russell Baxter
RUSSELL BAXTER

Russell S. Baxter has been writing and researching the game of football for more than 40 years, and on numerous platforms. That includes television, as he spent more than two decades at ESPN, and was part of shows that garnered five Emmy Awards. He also spent the 2015 NFL season with Thursday Night Football on CBS/NFLN.