As the Carolina Panthers mark a decade since their outstanding 2015 season, reflections reveal a team that has struggled to replicate past success, with only one playoff appearance and no postseason wins since then. That elite squad was defined not just by Cam Newton’s MVP performance but by a powerful defense filled with all-star talent known for their physical style of play.

Since that era, the Panthers defense has lacked true, hard-hitting enforcers, a gap the team hopes to address by bringing in Tre’Von Moehrig, a free agent who made his mark with the Las Vegas Raiders last season.

Tre’Von Moehrig’s Role in Revitalizing Physicality on Defense

While Moehrig may not yet be widely recognized among NFL fans, his impact lies in his aggressive style and willingness to deliver punishing tackles. During a recent joint practice, Moehrig showed this side of his game by delivering a clean but forceful hit on Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson. The Texans players were visibly displeased by the hit, but Moehrig remained unapologetic.

Reflecting on his approach, Moehrig said,

“My coach a couple years ago, he always taught me that (physicality) comes with the work, that comes with the game. So when things like that happen, you can’t flinch or be sorry about it… That’s the nature of football. I’ll deal with whatever happens afterwards.”

—Tre’Von Moehrig

This mindset represents a much-needed toughness for the Panthers defense, which has lacked this edge since linebacker Luke Kuechly abruptly retired in January 2020. Moehrig’s physical presence is seen as a promising sign for Carolina’s defensive resurgence.

Filling Defensive Gaps After Key Departures

The Panthers’ defense recently lost another gritty player when linebacker Josey Jewell was released due to ongoing concussion symptoms. Jewell’s absence leaves a significant hole in the middle of the defense. Carolina now faces the challenge of finding reliable replacements who embrace the physical challenges of the sport as Moehrig does.

The front office is aware that restoring this tough, no-nonsense identity on defense is essential if the Panthers aim to return to postseason contention and improve their overall performance moving forward.