Challenges in Rushing and Passing
The Carolina Panthers faced significant challenges last season, struggling to find consistency in both their rushing and passing games. Their overall performance placed them in the bottom half of the league for rushing yards, amassing a total of 1,769 yards. Despite averaging a modest 4 yards per carry, the team only managed to put together seven rushing touchdowns, the fewest in the league. This deficiency in converting rushing attempts into scoring opportunities severely hampered their offensive capabilities.
A further blow to their offensive prowess came from their passing game. The Panthers were last in the league in terms of passing yards, recording just 3,245 yards throughout the season. Their struggles extended to passing touchdowns, where they tied for the second-fewest in the league with a meager 13. The lack of effective aerial attack was compounded by their low passing first-down percentage of 25.6%, the worst in the league.
Offensive Line Troubles
The inefficiencies in both the rushing and passing games were partly due to the pressure on their quarterback, evidenced by the fact that the Panthers allowed the second-most sacks in the league with 65. This put their rookie quarterback Bryce Young in a constant state of duress, which translated to a disappointing 2-15 record for him in his debut season.
New Leadership and Strategic Moves
Taking charge of this beleaguered squad is rookie head coach Dave Canales, who is looking to turn things around. Canales's focus during the draft and offseason has been primarily on bolstering the run game. "That's what this draft and this offseason was all about," Canales said. "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."
In line with this strategy, the Panthers drafted running back Jonathon Brooks, who is expected to add a fresh spark to the team’s rushing attack. Additionally, the team signed guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis to fortify the offensive line, providing much-needed protection and creating better running lanes for their backs.
Key Contributors in the Backfield
Last season, Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders were the leading rushers for the Panthers. Both players showed potential, but they will need better support from the offensive line and a more dynamic game plan to improve upon their performances. Canales emphasized the importance of a solid ground game, stating, "It all starts with the run game."
Future Outlook
As the Panthers look to the upcoming season, it remains clear that significant improvements are needed both on the offensive and defensive lines. Canales's confidence in his new recruits and his strategic focus on enhancing the run game offer a glimmer of hope for fans. The ability to establish a robust running game could indeed open up the entire playbook, making third downs more manageable and reducing the pressure on Bryce Young.
The addition of Jonathon Brooks and the fortified protection from Hunt and Lewis may well be the keys to unlocking a more balanced and effective offense. Should the Panthers manage to mesh these new elements successfully, they might turn the tide in their favor in the ever-competitive NFL landscape.