The Carolina Panthers are entering a critical phase, reflecting on a year that saw them rank in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards, with a total of 1,769 yards. The team averaged 4 yards per carry, which, while respectable, didn’t translate into much-needed points. They ended the season with a league-low seven rushing touchdowns, highlighting a clear area needing improvement.
Struggles in the Air
The passing game didn't fare much better, positioning the Panthers at the very bottom with 3,245 passing yards. They tied for the second-fewest passing touchdowns with a mere 13, further complicating their offensive woes. The team’s passing first-down percentage also languished at a league-worst 25.6%, underscoring their difficulties in sustaining drives and moving the chains.
Protecting the Quarterback
Compounding their offensive struggles, the Panthers gave up the second-most sacks in the league, totaling 65. This relentless pressure on rookie quarterback Bryce Young contributed to his challenging inaugural season. Young finished the year with a 2-15 record, a tough pill to swallow for a player heralded as a potential franchise cornerstone.
Offseason Moves
In response to these struggles, the Panthers were proactive in the offseason, making significant roster changes. They drafted running back Jonathon Brooks, hoping to boost their ground game and add a new dimension to their offense. Additionally, the signings of guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis aim to fortify the offensive line, giving Young more protection and opening lanes for the running backs.
David Canales, the rookie head coach, has been vocal about the importance of these additions. "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," said Canales. His optimism is palpable as he prepares to lead the team into what he hopes will be a transformative season.
The Ground Game Emphasis
Canales's strategy underscores the need for a strong ground game. "It all starts with the run game," he reiterated, emphasizing that a potent rushing attack will be the cornerstone of their offensive strategy. Last season, Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders led the team in rushing yards, but with the new additions, the dynamic could shift significantly.
The focus on improving the run game is not just about yardage but also about controlling the clock, managing down and distance, and keeping the pressure off Young. With a more balanced attack, the Panthers hope to convert more of their drives into points, a vital step toward climbing out of the league’s lower echelons.
A Season of Redemption?
As the Panthers look toward the upcoming season, the changes they have made signal a clear intent to rectify last year's shortcomings. The success of these moves will hinge on the ability of new and returning players to gel and execute on the field. Canales’s belief in a revamped run game opening up their offense may indeed be the key to a resurgent Carolina Panthers team.
The pressure is on to deliver, and the Panthers are banking on their strategic changes to foster a new era of success. Whether these efforts will translate into wins remains to be seen, but the foundation is set for what could be a pivotal season in Carolina.