NFL1 hour ago2 minute read

Panthers Defense Backs Todd Wash After Coaching Change

Carolina Panthers players support Todd Wash as he steps up to interim defensive coordinator following Ejiro Evero's dismissal.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

An Emotional Switch at Coordinator

Todd Wash has taken over as interim defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers following the firing of Ejiro Evero on Friday. Wash was promoted from defensive line coach, stepping into a play calling role for the second time in his NFL career.

During his first team meeting leading the unit, Wash showed plenty of emotion. Pass rusher Princely Umanmielen noted that Wash almost teared up when presenting his vision for the defense. Outside linebacker Patrick Jones II said seeing that passion got players fired up and ready to play hard for their new coordinator.

Backing From Defense Leaders

Wash brings years of experience to the job. He worked in Seattle from 2011 to 2012 alongside general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales. Wash served as Jacksonville defensive coordinator from 2016 to 2020, helping the team reach the AFC Championship Game after the 2017 season with the second ranked defense in the league. He then spent the past six seasons coaching defensive lines in Detroit and Carolina.

Defensive tackle Derrick Brown credited Wash for listening to players and taking their feedback into consideration. Safety Nick Scott expressed confidence in Wash, while Umanmielen admitted he was genuinely surprised by the midseason firing. Players learned of Evero's departure on Friday morning after flying back from a 27-19 loss to the Packers.

Fixing the Defensive Numbers

Carolina enters Week 9 on a two game losing streak and ranks 23rd in total defense, giving up 349.6 yards per game through seven games. The unit ranks 30th in rushing defense, allowing 140.7 yards per game. It also ranks 29th in sack percentage at 4.56 percent and 20th in interception rate at 1.66 percent.

Injuries are also impacting the unit. Top pass rusher Jaelan Phillips is dealing with a hamstring injury, and rookie starting cornerback Will Lee III is also out with a hamstring issue. Wash hopes to turn those stats around as Carolina faces a Denver team with the 30th ranked offense.

What it means for the next game

Denver Broncos at Carolina Panthers (NFL, Sun, 08 Nov): Carolina Panthers win 41%, Denver Broncos win 60%; projected score Carolina Panthers 20, Denver Broncos 24. Our safest pick: Broncos +4.5.