The Carolina Panthers defense also underwent a coordinator change before the season and then again as coach Ron Rivera assumed responsibility for the play calling during the final few games of the year. Inconsistent performances hampered the Panthers all season as the team struggled to play well in all phases for an entire game.
Unfortunately for the defense, not much changed over the final four games other than two solid performances against the New Orleans Saints. The NFC South winner, Carolina held out of the end zone during their first meeting and pulled out a victory in a matchup of mostly reserves to finish the season.