The Carolina Panthers have experienced significant challenges on the offensive side of the ball, culminating in a past season where they found themselves struggling in both the running and passing games. The team amassed only 1,769 rushing yards, placing them in the bottom half of the league. Despite an average of 4 yards per carry, the Panthers could only muster a league-low seven rushing touchdowns, highlighting their struggles in the red zone and short-yardage situations.
The passing game was equally beleaguered. With just 3,245 yards through the air, the Panthers ranked last in the NFL. This anemic performance was compounded by the fact that they tied for second-fewest passing touchdowns with a mere 13. Consequently, they also ranked dead last in passing first-down percentage at 25.6%, a statistic that reflects their inability to sustain drives and maintain possession.
Turbulent Times Under Center
Rookie quarterback Bryce Young faced a baptism by fire, ending his first season with a dismal 2-15 record. Young’s struggles were exacerbated by the pressure he faced in the pocket, with the Panthers surrendering the second-most sacks in the league at 65. These numbers underscore the deficiencies in pass protection and the overall ineffectiveness of the offensive line.
The instability and lack of support for Young were evident throughout the season. Panthers’ fans and analysts alike have pointed to this as a critical area needing improvement if the team hopes to turn the corner. That said, there is a sliver of optimism with the arrival of rookie head coach Dave Canales, whose vision for the team is anchored in a renewed commitment to the running game.
A New Offensive Blueprint
Guiding the Panthers into this new chapter, Canales has made it clear that the success of the offense hinges on establishing a dominant ground attack. "It all starts with the run game," Canales emphasized, underscoring the cornerstone of his approach. The off-season moves reflect this philosophy, including the selection of running back Jonathon Brooks during the draft and the key signings of guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. These acquisitions aim to fortify the offensive line and invigorate the running game.
Canales’ confidence in this strategy is palpable. "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," he stated. The task now is for these new pieces to gel and translate potential into performance on the field.
Key Contributors and Forward Momentum
A significant part of the Panthers’ rushing attack last season was spearheaded by running backs Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders. Both players showed flashes of potential, and with a reinforced offensive line, they will be expected to shoulder a significant portion of the offensive load. The hope is that Brooks’ addition will provide the unit with further depth and dynamism.
The underlying mandate for the upcoming season is clear: address the inefficiencies that plagued last year’s campaign. Canales’ focus on revitalizing the run game is a calculated move designed to take pressure off Young and create a balanced offensive attack that can sustain drives and keep the defense off the field. How well these strategies play out will hinge on the integration of new players and the ability of the coaching staff to instill a cohesive, aggressive mentality.
As the Panthers gear up for the new season, the mood is cautiously optimistic. The team’s foundational issues have been addressed with a strategic offseason overhaul, yet the execution on game day will be the ultimate arbiter of success. For a team that has endured its share of bumps and bruises, the forthcoming campaign offers a promising avenue for redemption and resurgence.