The Carolina Panthers find themselves at a crossroads after a challenging season that tested the resilience of both the team and its fans. Despite some promising individual performances, the Panthers struggled to find consistency on the offensive side of the ball, finishing near the bottom of the league in several key categories.
Rushing Woes and Limited Success
The Panthers managed to accumulate 1,769 rushing yards, landing them in the bottom half of the league. This was coupled with an average of 4 yards per carry, indicating that while the team had bursts of effectiveness, sustaining drives on the ground proved problematic. The glaring issue was their league-low total of seven rushing touchdowns, a stat that encapsulates their struggles in finishing drives.
Key contributors Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders bore the brunt of the rushing load last season. Meanwhile, the team's backfield is set to see a new face with the drafting of running back Jonathon Brooks during the offseason. Head Coach Dave Canales, a rookie in his position, believes a successful rushing attack is pivotal for the team's overall performance. "It all starts with the run game," he affirmed, emphasizing the foundational role a strong ground game plays in his offensive strategy.
Passing Game Struggles
Turning to the aerial attack, the numbers are starkly underwhelming. The Panthers were last in passing yards, totaling 3,245 yards over the season. Moreover, their passing touchdowns were alarmingly low, tied for second-fewest in the league with just 13. This deficit in the passing game is further highlighted by the league-low 25.6% passing first-down percentage.
Bryce Young's freshman season as quarterback was a baptism of fire, ending with a discouraging 2-15 record. The high number of sacks—65 in total—also contributed significantly to the offensive inefficiency, exposing the young quarterback to constant pressure and hindering his development.
Offseason Hope
Looking to revamp their beleaguered offensive line, the Panthers made strategic moves during the offseason by signing guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. These additions aim to provide much-needed protection for Young and create running lanes for the new and existing backfield talent.
Coach Canales remains optimistic about the impact of these changes. "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. His focus on building a robust ground game signifies a clear strategy to alleviate some of the pressure on Young and create a more balanced and effective offensive unit.
As the Panthers gear up for the new season, the blend of new talent and revised strategy provides a glimmer of hope for a turnaround. The success of these efforts will hinge on the performance of both seasoned veterans and fresh faces, as they work to shake off the difficulties of the past season and build a more cohesive and dynamic offense.