By each metric you wish to measure, the Carolina Panthers’ 2023 season was an unmitigated catastrophe. They’d the worst file within the NFL, but nothing to point out for it as a result of they traded their first spherical choose this 12 months to the Chicago Bears for rookie QB Bryce Younger.
Younger’s rookie 12 months was marred by inconsistent playcalling (and playcallers), a large receiver group that was held collectively by way of foolish string, and an inside offensive line that was middling at greatest. This resulted in then-head coach Frank Reich being fired through the season, and a near-complete cleansing of home that included GM Scott Fitterer. Oh yeah, when he’s not throwing drinks on opposing followers, Panthers proprietor David Tepper is firing head coaches extra usually than most individuals change garments.
To easily put it, new Panthers head coach Dave Canales and GM Dan Morgan wanted to get the Panthers off the doormat of the NFL. If this offseason’s acquisitions imply something, it’s that Carolina may be dusting themselves off, having a quietly superb offseason.
When inspecting offseason acquisitions for many franchises, it’s vital that you simply see the imaginative and prescient of their 2024 season. What which means is thru every signing, it’s best to be capable of inform what the main focus in your favourite group was going into the signing interval and what they’re aiming to do within the 2024 season. For the Panthers, their goal is straightforward: they wish to run the rock whereas giving Younger the power to play level guard. I perceive the stark response to giving former Miami Dolphins guard Robert Hunt $20 million per 12 months and former Seattle Seahawks guard Damien Lewis $13 million per 12 months, however I imagine a few issues are at play right here: to start with, the Panthers needed to overpay as a result of, properly, they’re the Panthers. Coming off the season they did with an proprietor that may be very unhealthy, the overpay is sensible. As well as, with what the Panthers hope to do, they wanted to get the highest guards in the marketplace. Hunt is a large guard who will increase the Panthers’ run sport.
Lewis is a greater move protector than run blocker, however you’ll be able to see the imaginative and prescient by inserting him subsequent to LT Ikem Ekwonu and elevating the run sport by being subsequent to the rising left sort out. Moreover, Canales stated he was going to be “cussed” with the run sport this 12 months, stating that he needs to attenuate the dropback passing sport and make life simpler on his whole offense.
Talking of creating issues simple, the Panthers traded for Steelers WR Diontae Johnson in change for DB Donte’ Jackson and a late spherical choose swap. This was a large win for the Panthers, who turned a late spherical choose and free agent right into a receiver that seamlessly matches into the Panthers’ offense. Canales has been extraordinarily ardent in regards to the 2.7 seconds phrase, which means that he would love for Younger to get the ball out in 2.7 seconds or much less. Whereas which may not work with receivers who can’t create any separation, Johnson is a straightforward separator who can win within the short-to-intermediate areas.
“We’re going to turn out to be what Bryce is nice at within the move sport.” — Panthers HC Dave Canales clear he’ll construct his scheme round what Bryce Younger excels in.
Canales notes QB getting ball out at 2.7 seconds or much less is essential stat + Bryce is large cause he took the job. pic.twitter.com/STN7D1hv4O
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) February 1, 2024
Defensively, their strikes additionally sign an effort to cease the run. Final 12 months, the Panthers have been lifeless final in DVOA in opposition to the run, and of their efforts to enhance upon that metric, they went and signed DT A’Shawn Robinson and EDGE Jadeveon Clowney. Each are monsters within the run sport, and Robinson permits Derrick Brown to play his pure 3T function, the place he flourished to the purpose of getting a four-year, $96 million extension on Friday. Sure, shedding Brian Burns hurts, however buying and selling him to get any worth as an alternative of letting him stroll in free company was transfer by a entrance workplace that had nothing to do with the Panthers turning down two first spherical picks for Burns in earlier seasons. Once more, a basis and imaginative and prescient is being executed, and for that the Panthers ought to be recommended.
Will this result in instant success in 12 months one? The jury continues to be out, however odds level to no.
Nonetheless, with these strikes the Panthers are off the doormat. Which is an effective factor.
