After a season marred by inefficiencies and underwhelming performances, the Carolina Panthers are gearing up for a significant rebound. The team, under the fresh leadership of rookie head coach Dave Canales, is focusing on revamping its offensive strategy with a particular emphasis on the ground game.
During the previous NFL season, the Panthers' struggles on the field were glaring. They found themselves in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards, managing just 1,769 yards. Their rushing game, averaging a modest 4 yards per carry, lacked the potency needed to consistently threaten opposing defenses. Compounding the issue, the Panthers scored a league-low seven rushing touchdowns, a paltry number that highlighted their difficulties in converting yardage into points.
Aerial Struggles and Sacks
While their ground game left much to be desired, the Panthers' aerial attack was equally problematic. The team ranked last in passing yards with 3,245 yards and tied for the second-fewest passing touchdowns with just 13. These numbers were further exacerbated by their league-worst passing first-down percentage of 25.6%. Clearly, moving the chains through the air was no easy task for the Panthers last season.
Protecting the quarterback also emerged as a critical issue. Finishing the season with the second-most sacks, the Panthers' offensive line struggled to provide the necessary protection, restricting their quarterback's ability to execute plays effectively.
Focus on the Run Game
Reflecting on these challenges, Coach Canales has made it clear that the offseason's primary objective was to establish a more robust and reliable run game. "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.
This renewed focus is seen in their offseason moves, with the drafting of running back Jonathon Brooks and the acquisition of guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. These additions are designed to bolster both the running and passing phases of their game. "It all starts with the run game," Canales emphasized, underscoring the fundamental role that an efficient rushing attack plays in his coaching philosophy.
Leadership and Key Players
The Panthers enter this season with a sense of renewed determination and recalibrated leadership. Bryce Young, despite his challenging rookie season record of 2-15, remains a critical player. The team is hopeful that with improved protection and a more balanced offensive strategy, Young's performance will see a significant upturn.
Last season, running backs Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders led the team in rushing yards, and they are expected to continue being pivotal figures in the new campaign. With the added depth from Brooks and a fortified offensive line, the Panthers are banking on a transformed rushing attack that can alleviate pressure on their quarterback and create more scoring opportunities.
Through targeted offseason acquisitions and a clear strategic focus, the Carolina Panthers are looking to address their previous shortcomings. Coach Dave Canales' emphasis on a successful run game lays the foundation for what they hope will be a drastic improvement, driving at a resurgence built around strength and efficiency on the ground.