Panthers’ Ejiro Evero explains philosophy, switch to 3-4 scheme and Brian Burns’ potential
Ejiro Evero knows exactly what he wants his Panthers defense to look like, even if all of the pieces aren’t already in place. Carolina’s new defensive coordinator wants his unit to be known for three attributes in particular.
“Physical, great effort and attacking the ball,” Evero said Wednesday, as he explained his coaching philosophy.
The 42-year-old play-caller led the Denver Broncos’ defense last season in his first year as a coordinator. And while Denver’s team success was limited, Evero became a shining star because of the Broncos’ defensive output. The Broncos finished seventh in yardage allowed and 14th in points allowed, despite playing opposite a sluggish offense.
Evero interviewed for all five head coach vacancies this offseason — including the Panthers’ top job — but ultimately wound up on Frank Reich’s Carolina staff as his top lieutenant on defense.
Evero will bring a 3-4 base defensive scheme with him to Charlotte, and Reich embraced that decision because of his belief in Evero.
“The reason why we decided to go with it was because of Ejiro,” Reich said. “I was hiring the man, not the scheme. I was hiring the man, I was hiring the leader. That’s what I was hiring. It wasn’t as much about the scheme — he could coach any scheme he wanted — he’s going to be good at it. That was my take on that.”
Evero believes the odd-man front, while only used on a fraction of the defensive plays, gives the defense an advantage. Unlike with four-man fronts, the 3-4 look allows Evero to disguise a fourth potential pass rusher.
“You don’t know where that extra rusher is coming from,” Evero said. “It’s that extra level that the offense has to grow through to figure out what you’re doing.”
Evero has spent the past few days with his staff. The group is in the process of scouting and meeting with the Panthers’ incumbent talent — including cornerback Jaycee Horn, who met with the coordinator on Tuesday.
But beyond the current roster, Evero wants to look for specific attributes when it comes to bringing in new players — via the draft or free agency — to his unit.
“We look for guys that are physical,” Evero said. “We look for guys that play with great effort. Guys who are smart. I think those are the type of intangibles that are winning intangibles. At the end of the day, we want to be a physical, aggressive team that plays with great effort. But we don’t want to ever beat ourselves.”
One notable player already in place is Pro Bowl pass rusher Brian Burns.
The 24-year-old defender will move to outside linebacker in 3-4 base fronts. Burns will presumably serve as the centerpiece of Evero’s unit.
When Evero was researching the roster ahead of accepting his position, Burns was among the notable talents who stood out.
“Talented player,” Evero said. “I think a guy that really has the ability to be an elite EDGE rusher . . . so we’re excited to work with him.”
