Defense targeting several areas for improvement in Week 2

[Sir Purr]

To break it down further, on 28 first downs, the Panthers gave up 5.9 yards per play. Things got worse on second down when they surrendered an average of 7.1 yards on 22 plays. Ten of the 23 times Las Vegas moved the chains occurred on second down.


That's why the Raiders had so many short third-down opportunities. Carr took advantage of them, completing 6-of-8 passes for 65 yards with a touchdown. The Raiders also gained 5.7 yards per carry on three third-down attempts.


"We've got to get people in second-and-long, so we get in pass-rush modes along with third-and-long," defensive coordinator Phil Snow said. "We're addressing that, and hopefully, we're much improved this week."


That said, the Panthers know they must do more to generate quarterback pressures. Defensive tackle Kawann Short's absence due to a foot injury won't help. But the Panthers have capable rushers, headlined by defensive end Brian Burns and rookie defensive tackle Derrick Brown.


While many sacks come on third downs because it's a known-passing situation, other chances pop up in a game.


"At the end of the day, it comes down to beating somebody," Burns said. "You've got to win your one-on-ones and get pressure."


As for takeaways, if the Panthers pressure quarterback Tom Brady, they may force him into an interception. But even if he completes a pass, gang tackling can force fumbles.


"The more you're swarming toward the ball, you get more defenders around the ball. When that ball pops out, your chances of recovering the ball goes up," linebacker Tahir Whitehead said. "As long as we continue to play hard the way we are, clean up some of the details, I think (turnovers will) start to come. And when it rains, it pours."