The Carolina Panthers have faced numerous struggles in recent seasons, particularly in their offensive game. Last season, the Panthers were mired in the bottom half of the league in key offensive metrics, most notably their rushing and passing game.
Rushing Woes
With only 1,769 rushing yards last season, the Panthers found themselves lagging behind their competitors. Averaging a mere 4 yards per carry, the team was unable to find a consistent rhythm in their ground attack. Even more glaring was their league-low total of seven rushing touchdowns, a statistic that painted a clear picture of their red zone struggles.
Despite these dismal numbers, there is a sense of optimism brewing within the organization. Rookie head coach Dave Canales has been vocal about his vision for the team's offense, emphasizing the importance of a robust running game. "It all starts with the run game," Canales stated. His commitment to revamping this aspect of the team's play is evident in their offseason moves.
Offseason Moves
The Panthers drafted running back Jonathon Brooks, hoping to inject new life into their backfield. Additionally, the team fortified their offensive line by signing guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. These acquisitions signify Canales' strategic approach to build a sturdy foundation for the running 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 explained, outlining the multifaceted benefits of a successful ground game.
Passing Struggles
Turning to the aerial attack, the Panthers were last in the league with only 3,245 passing yards. Coupled with tying for the second-fewest passing touchdowns at 13, the passing game was another area of significant weakness. The team's passing first-down percentage of 25.6% was the lowest in the league, further underscoring their inability to move the chains through the air.
Protection Issues
One of the critical issues affecting the Panthers' offensive inefficiency was the lack of protection for their quarterback. The team allowed the second-most sacks in the league with a staggering total of 65. This incessant pressure not only hampered offensive production but also contributed to a challenging rookie season for quarterback Bryce Young, who finished with a disappointing 2-15 record.
A New Era
The arrival of Canales marks a new era for the Panthers, one that comes with hope and a renewed focus on addressing their offensive shortcomings. By focusing on strengthening the run game and bolstering the offensive line, the Panthers aim to create a more balanced and effective attack.
As Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders led the team in rushing yards last season, their contributions, paired with the fresh talent of Jonathon Brooks and the new offensive guards, are poised to transform the Panthers' offensive identity.
The road to improvement is undeniably steep, but with a clear plan and decisive action, the Panthers are setting the stage for potential resurgence. The challenges of the previous season are well-documented, but with Canales at the helm and a strategic focus on foundational aspects of the game, the Panthers hope to turn their misfortunes around and establish a more potent and dynamic offensive presence in the league.