The Carolina Panthers had a difficult season last year, facing numerous challenges on both the offensive and defensive fronts. Their rushing game, despite accumulating 1,769 yards, placed them in the bottom half of the league, averaging only 4 yards per carry. Additionally, the team recorded a league-low seven rushing touchdowns, a statistic that surely marks an area for improvement.
Turning to their passing game, the Panthers struggled significantly, finishing last in the league with just 3,245 passing yards. They tied for the second-fewest passing touchdowns, managing only 13 throughout the season. The team's ability to secure passing first downs was also the worst in the league, with a dismal 25.6% success rate. On the defensive side, however, the Panthers managed to record the second-most sacks in the league, tallying 65, showing at least a silver lining amid their difficulties.
Young's Tough Introduction
Bryce Young, the team's rookie quarterback, faced considerable adversity, culminating in a challenging 2-15 record for his debut season. Despite these hurdles, there's a cautious optimism surrounding his development and potential to turn things around in the future.
Leadership Shift
In an attempt to steer the team in a new direction, Carolina appointed Dave Canales as the rookie head coach. Canales is optimistic about the team's potential to improve their run game, which he believes is crucial to unlocking the team's overall offensive capabilities. "That's what this draft and this offseason was all about. I feel confident that we'll be able to have a successful run game, which, for me, opens everything else up. It helps third down, it helps move the ball and give you more opportunities," Canales stated, emphasizing the foundational role of the ground game in his game plan. "It all starts with the run game," he added, leaving no ambiguity about his strategic focus.
Offseason Moves
To bolster their offensive line and enhance the rushing attack, the Panthers made significant offseason moves. They drafted running back Jonathon Brooks, hoping to inject fresh talent into their backfield. The team also signed two new guards, Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, aiming to fortify the offensive line.
Run Game Reliance
Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders, who led the team in rushing yards last season, are expected to benefit from these additions. By strengthening their offensive line, the Panthers aim to provide these running backs with better opportunities, translating to a more consistent and effective rushing attack.
As the Panthers look to the future, the emphasis placed on their run game—coupled with strategic adjustments in other areas—will be critical to overcoming the shortcomings of the previous season. With Canales at the helm, armed with a vision and a plan to revitalize the offense, the Panthers are hoping to rise from the difficulties of last season and take significant strides forward.