The Carolina Panthers' struggles in the 2023 season are well-documented, with glaring deficiencies in both their rushing and passing games. The Panthers were notably in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards, accumulating just 1,769 yards. Their inability to break free was underscored by a meager 4 yards per carry and a league-low seven rushing touchdowns. The passing game fared no better, leaving the Panthers last in passing yards (3,245), tied for second-fewest passing touchdowns (13), last in passing first-down percentage (25.6), and burdened with the second-most sacks (65).
Despite these challenges, there is an air of cautious optimism in Charlotte as the Panthers prepare for the upcoming season. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young endured a baptism by fire, finishing with a disheartening 2-15 record. The 2023 campaign was one of growing pains and hard lessons for Young. Still, as he enters his sophomore season, there are reasons to believe in a brighter future for the organization.
Building a Foundation
The Panthers are determined to set their talented young quarterback up for success, an undertaking spearheaded by rookie head coach Dave Canales. Canales, who comes with a diverse background in offensive coordination, is keenly aware of the pivotal role a potent running game can play in alleviating the pressure on Young.
"That's what this draft and this offseason was all about," Canales explained. "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."
To achieve this, Carolina made strategic moves during the offseason. They drafted running back Jonathon Brooks and bolstered their offensive line by signing guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. These acquisitions are intended to inject new life into a rushing attack that depended heavily on Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders last season. Hubbard and Sanders led the team in rushing yards but couldn't muster the consistency needed to elevate the Panthers' offense.
The Run Game as a Catalyst
For the Panthers, transforming their run game is not just about gaining yards on the ground; it's about creating a ripple effect that touches every aspect of their offensive strategy. Canales is a staunch believer in the philosophy that "it all starts with the run game." A strong running game can control the clock, wear down defenses, and most importantly, provide Young with manageable third-down situations.
In Canales' view, a dynamic and reliable run game will serve as a foundation, helping to nurture Young's development while opening up the playbook for more diverse and creative plays. The young quarterback showcased moments of brilliance despite a lackluster season, and with proper support, the hope is that these flashes can become consistent highlights.
Challenges Ahead
While the Panthers' focus on rebuilding through the run game is clear, the task ahead is monumental. The offensive line, an area of concern last season, must gel quickly and stay healthy. Hunt and Lewis bring experience, but integrating new pieces into the system can often be a complex and time-consuming process.
Additionally, Jonathon Brooks, though promising, is still an unproven asset at the professional level. His adaptation to the speed and physicality of the NFL will be crucial. Hubbard and Sanders are dependable, but neither has demonstrated the ability to single-handedly carry an offense. Brooks’ successful integration into the backfield rotation will be key to distributing the workload and maintaining balance.
A Measured Optimism
Despite the uphill battle, the Panthers' strategy reflects a measured optimism rooted in concrete steps rather than abstract hopes. Canales’ holistic approach to bolstering the run game aims to transform the weakest elements of their offense into robust components that complement each other. This interconnected improvement could alleviate the pressure on Bryce Young, enabling him to harness his full potential as he grows into his role.
For the Panthers and their fans, the upcoming season represents a blend of excitement and cautious anticipation. The front office has made decisive moves, and Canales' philosophy hinges on methodical progress. Whether these changes will translate into wins remains to be seen, but the foundation is being laid for a more competitive and cohesive unit.
As the Panthers head into the new season, the rejuvenation of their run game could indeed be the catalyst that propels them out of the league's cellar and into a phase of growth and improvement.