LB Jon Beason described the Panthers’ new defense to reporters on Monday as “aggressive and blitz-happy.” That’s no surprise with DC Sean McDermott and HC Ron Rivera running things. One of McDermott’s main issues running the Eagles’ D last year was getting too creative with his pressure schemes — doing things like dropping DE Trent Cole into coverage while blitzing from elsewhere. Carolina will need more help generating pressure, though. In Rivera’s case, MLB Brian Urlacher turned in 5.5- and 6-sack seasons with Rivera as DC in Chicago. Look for Beason to at least match (and probably exceed) his career-high 3 sacks of 2009. OLB Thomas Davis also generated 3 and 3.5 sacks in his last 2 healthy seasons. OLB James Anderson checked in with 3.5 of his own last year as a full-time starter for the 1st time. Don’t be surprised if a LB ranks 2nd (and 3rd?) on the team in sacks behind DE Charles Johnson.
