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Panthers offense: Regular season report card

By Brandon Scott

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers huddles the offense during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers huddles the offense during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers v Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 17: Greg Olsen #88 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a play against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Tight End: 82, B-

C+ at 49ers, C vs. Bills, C- vs. Saints, C at Patriots
A at Lions, B vs. Eagles, D at Bears, B at Bucs
B- vs. Falcons, A vs. Dolphins, A at Jets, B at Saints
C vs. Vikings, A vs. Packers, B vs. Buccaneers, C- at Falcons

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Tight end has been a patchwork effort after captain Greg Olsen was sidelined with a broken bone in his foot early this season. Since returning, he’s enjoyed one showing in line with his recent production over the past three seasons. Otherwise, both he and Newton have appeared off with their limited availability to one another this season.

Backup Ed Dickson performed admirably in Olsen’s absence and third string tight end Chris Manhertz contributed where needed. His recent placement on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain ends his year regardless of how far the Panthers advance in the playoffs.

Overall, the Panthers offense has enjoyed stat padding performances in addition to those not easily forgotten. The up and down display of offensive prowess led to an impressive overall record but without much consistency any hope for a playoff run remains uncertain.

The offense has shown they can perform at a level high enough to beat any team on a given day but if not running on all cylinders, can also be beaten just as easily. The versatility and newfound wrinkles added with McCaffrey have been beneficial but without a legitimate receiver on the outside, the pressure to perform rests squarely on Newton’s shoulders.

Next: Playoff Positives and Negatives

If capable of shouldering the load, the Panthers will build off of their regular season for a legitimate run in the playoffs. If not, Carolina could see an early exit after a better than expected season.

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