The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for a transformative season, focusing on bolstering key areas that plagued them in their previous campaign. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Dave Canales, the Panthers are looking to revitalize their offense, starting with a solid ground game.
Challenges in the Ground Game
Last season, the Panthers found themselves in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards, managing to pile up just 1,769 yards. Despite an average of 4 yards per carry, the team struggled to find the end zone, recording a league-low seven rushing touchdowns. The absence of an impactful running game hampered their overall offensive effectiveness.
Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders led the team in rushing yards, but the backfield lacked the explosive presence needed to consistently pressure opposing defenses. Head coach Dave Canales emphasized the importance of rectifying this weakness during the offseason. "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 said.
Bolstering the Offensive Line
A critical aspect of improving the run game is enhancing the offensive line. The Panthers took significant steps in this direction by signing guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. Canales is optimistic that these acquisitions will provide the necessary protection and openings for the running game to flourish.
"It all starts with the run game," Canales remarked, underscoring the foundational role a strong running attack plays in his offensive strategy. The addition of Jonathon Brooks, drafted in the offseason, further reinforces the team's commitment to strengthening their rushing capabilities.
Passing Game Struggles
While the run game faced its challenges, the passing game fared no better, ending up last in the league with 3,245 passing yards. The Panthers also tied for the second-fewest passing touchdowns, with just 13 to their name. The struggles extended to maintaining possession and creating opportunities, as evidenced by their league-low passing first-down percentage of 25.6%.
These shortcomings manifested starkly on the field, where rookie quarterback Bryce Young finished with a 2-15 record. The monumental number of sacks—65, the second-most in the league—illustrates the vulnerabilities that plagued the Panthers’ offensive line and ultimately reflected in their overall performance.
Setting the Stage for a Turnaround
As the Panthers look ahead, the integration of new talent and the focus on enhancing foundational aspects of their game are anticipated to yield significant improvements. With Bryce Young stepping into his second year, having a fortified line and a dependable run game will be crucial for both his development and the team's success.
Dave Canales' emphasis on the run game looks poised to set the Panthers on a more competitive path. The offseason moves signify a clear strategy aimed at addressing the core issues that led to last season's dismal output. The panthers' renewed focus on the fundamentals may well lead them to a more promising future.
The new season offers a fresh slate, and for Carolina Panthers fans, there is cautious optimism that the changes made will translate into tangible results on the field.