In a season marked by challenges and shortfalls, the Carolina Panthers found themselves grappling with a myriad of inefficiencies on both sides of the ball. They ended the year with a disappointing record, underscored by statistics that reveal a team struggling to find its identity and footing.
Offensive Struggles
The Panthers' rushing attack was a glaring weakness, with the team accumulating just 1,769 yards—placing them in the bottom half of the league. What perhaps makes this figure even more concerning is the league-low seven rushing touchdowns achieved over the course of the season. Despite averaging a modest 4 yards per carry, the team could not convert these opportunities into consistent scoring drives.
Head Coach Dave Canales, entering his rookie season, has been vocal about the importance of the ground game. "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 emphasized. His commitment to establishing a strong rushing foundation is evident, as he believes, "It all starts with the run game."
Canales and the Panthers' front office have made moves in the offseason that reflect this philosophy. The team drafted running back Jonathon Brooks, aiming to bolster their ground attack. They also signed guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, potentially strengthening their offensive line and providing much-needed protection and lanes for the running backs. Last season, Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders spearheaded the rushing efforts, but with new additions, there is hope for a more dynamic backfield.
Defensive Pressures
Defensive struggles paralleled the offensive woes, if not eclipsing them. The Panthers ended the season with just 3,245 passing yards—the lowest in the league. The combination of ineffectual passing and low conversion rates on first downs, which sat at a league-worst 25.6%, stifled the Panthers' ability to sustain drives and wear down opposing defenses.
Even when drives did extend to scoring territory, the Panthers faced hurdles, managing only 13 passing touchdowns—tied for the second-fewest in the NFL. Despite these passing struggles, the team allowed the second-most sacks in the league with 65, indicating substantial protection issues for rookie quarterback Bryce Young.
The Bryce Young Factor
Young's rookie season was one marred by a lack of protection and insufficient offensive firepower. Ending the season with a 2-15 record, the young quarterback faced scrutiny and pressure that comes with transitioning to the professional level. With a porous offensive line and a lack of consistent weaponry, Young's development was stunted, raising questions about what the upcoming season holds for him as he aims for a bounce-back year with improved support.
Looking Ahead
The offseason activities indicate a clear strategic shift for the Panthers. Under the guidance of Canales, there seems to be a calculated effort to rectify the core weaknesses that plagued the team. By focusing on beefing up the offensive line and adding fresh talent to the backfield, there is cautious optimism that the Panthers can breathe new life into their ground game, thereby opening up the passing lanes and granting Young the protection he needs to showcase his potential.
The season ahead will be crucial, not just for Canales and Young but for the entire Panthers organization. Can they transition from being a team rife with inefficiencies to one that competes effectively week in and week out? Only time will tell, but the foundations laid this offseason suggest a team on the cusp of redefining its identity and reversing its fortunes.