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Despite pass push, Panthers' secondary struggling

Published: October 4, 2012 Comment on this article

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Panthers believe they've found a pass rush. Now they just need to shore up their secondary.

Despite Carolina's 12 sacks on the season — including a franchise-record seven against Atlanta last Sunday — the defensive backfield remains an issue.

photo - In this photo taken Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the second half of an NFL football game in Atlanta. The Panthers may still be stinging from Sunday's heartbreaking loss to Atlanta, but there are still plenty of positives to come out of that game including the steady emergence of a pass rush. The Panthers tied a franchise record with seven sacks _ 3.5 by Charles Johnson _ something they hope to continue this Sunday at home against Seattle. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

In this photo taken Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the second half of an NFL football game in Atlanta. The Panthers may still be stinging from Sunday's heartbreaking loss to Atlanta, but there are still plenty of positives to come out of that game including the steady emergence of a pass rush. The Panthers tied a franchise record with seven sacks _ 3.5 by Charles Johnson _ something they hope to continue this Sunday at home against Seattle. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

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The Panthers are giving up 259 yards passing a game. And they allowed Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan to throw for 369 yards and three touchdowns in a heartbreaking 30-28 loss, including a 59-yard completion to Roddy White to set up the game-winning field goal.

They may get just the break they need Sunday when they host not-so-pass-happy Seattle.

Led by rookie quarterback Russell Wilson, the Seahawks rank last in the league in passing, averaging just 130.8 yards per game.

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