Offseason Analysis Series: Carolina Panthers

Meaningful Additions: OL Ikem Ekwonu, QB Baker Mayfield, QB Matt Corral, OG Austin Corbett, P Johnny Hekker, DB Xavier Woods

Meaningful Losses: Edge Haason Reddick, CB Stephon Gilmore, DT Daquan Jones, CB Rashaan Melvin, Edge Morgan Fox

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What Happened Last Year?

(5-12) Last in NFC South

Offense

Carolina came out on fire in 2021 going 3-0 out of the gate. Sam Darnold looked like the top-tier quarterback that he was selected to be with the third overall pick in the 2018 draft and Carolina's front office looked genius for pulling off a trade with the Jets to land him. However, Darnold soon returned to form and finished the season with more interceptions (13) than touchdowns (9). In fact, every Panthers QB finished 2021 with more interceptions than touchdowns on their way to leading the league in interceptions thrown. Panthers' legend Cam Newton returned to the team mid-season and was a shell of his former-MVP self. Newton went lost all 5 of his starts completing just 54.8% of his passes and throwing for 85.5 yards per game. Despite all of this, WR DJ Moore continued to be one of the most productive receivers in the NFL totaling 1157 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns on 93 receptions. Dynamic running back Christian McCaffrey missed a majority of the 2021 season with hamstring and ankle injuries and left a massive hole in the Panthers gameplan. Rookie Chubba Hubbard struggled to pick up the slack, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry as Carolina finished 23rd in rushing yards on the season.

Defense

The Panther's had a top young defense in 2021. Although they finished in the bottom half of the league in points allowed, they gave up the second fewest yards against, the fourth fewest passing yards and the fewest yards per carry. Carolina also got opposing offenses off the field quickly, allowing the fewest plays per drive at a clip of 5.4. It was disappointing to see rookie CB Jaycee Horn miss 14 games after tearing his Achilles. In limited action, Horn's coverage skills were on display and he showed why he was a top ten pick in the 2021 draft. Playmaking safety Jeremy Chinn was all over the field and lead the team in tackles (107) in his second season. Linebacker Shaq Thompson continued his steady presence in the middle of the field totaling 104 tackles and 9 tackles for loss. Haason Reddick continued his stellar play on the edge and lead the team with 11 sacks tying fellow pass rusher Brian Burns for the team lead with 18 quarterback hits.

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What's Changed?

New cook in the kitchen

Carolina traded for QB Baker Mayfield in July to compete with Sam Darnold. Although Mayfield had a rough 2021 season, he is still a better quarterback than Darnold. Mayfield was not the same after playing through a shoulder injury last year and as a result, many people have discounted his abilities as a passer. Mayfield should win the starting job and in-turn improve Carolina's aerial attack. One big concern that I have for Mayfield is how he will respond to being protected by a bottom of the barrel offensive line group after being behind one of the league's top units.

Reliance on McCaffrey

If Carolina has any hope of being competitive this season, they must do their best to keep all-pro/all-purpose back Christian McCaffrey healthy. McCaffrey is one of the best players in the league with the ball in his hands and a complete mismatch coming out of the backfield. Carolina funneled McCaffrey the ball in his first few seasons and the effects are starting to show. Over the past two seasons, McCaffrey has played in only 10 games of a possible 33 games. Head Coach Matt Rhule needs to set a pitch count on McCaffrey's touches in order to have him for a greater portion of the season. If they keep overusing him, the Panther's risk running McCaffrey into the ground for good.