Review how each Carolina Panthers offensive unit performed during the regular season…
The NFL regular season ended with a Carolina Panthers reminder of how thin the line remains between good and bad performances at football’s highest level. In a disparaging loss to divisional rival Atlanta, the Panthers missed an opportunity to claim their sixth championship but remain in contention for the ultimate prize.
Facing a Falcons team in need of a win to assure their participation in the playoffs, the Panthers mustered only one sustained drive while appearing out of synch offensively. Bailed out by another impressive defensive performance, Carolina capped an impressive 11-5 regular season record with one of their worst showings overall.
Twelve teams remain alive after the season’s final weekend which will be narrowed down to eight after next week’s wild card games. The Panthers visit New Orleans, facing the Saints for a third time after losing both games during the year.
Following is a look at the grades earned by each offensive unit over the course of the regular season.
Quarterback: 81, B-
C at 49ers, C- vs. Bills, F vs. Saints, B at Patriots
A at Lions, B- vs. Eagles, D at Bears, C+ at Bucs
B+ vs. Falcons, A vs. Dolphins, B- at Jets, B+ at Saints
B vs. Vikings, A vs. Packers, A vs. Buccaneers, C- at Falcons
Quarterback Cam Newton remains the focal point when Carolina’s offense sputters but without his efforts the Panthers season would have ended on Sunday. Newton led the team in rushing and orchestrated three game winning drives on the season.
Without much of a preseason to prepare following rotator cuff surgery, the Panthers signal caller contributed an enormous amount to the Carolina offense. Playing with a rookie running back who led the team in receiving, minus two key components up front for a majority of the year and amidst controversy for his media interactions and announced investigation into owner Jerry Richardson – Newton deserves more credit.
His final grade reflects the many up and down performances endured throughout the season while his worth is even more valuable.
Running Back: 78, C+
C at 49ers, C vs. Bills, C vs. Saints, B at Patriots
B- at Lions, D- vs. Eagles, C at Bears, C at Bucs
C+ vs. Falcons, A vs. Dolphins, B- at Jets, C at Saints
A vs. Vikings, B vs. Packers, C vs. Buccaneers, D at Falcons
Two running backs have been mostly featured this season in veteran Jonathan Stewart and rookie Christian McCaffrey. Both have been relatively effective later in the season but when the offensive front fails to create openings, each has struggled as well.
McCaffrey has influenced the offense considerably, impacting plays on the ground, through the air and by solely being present on the field. His skill set demands attention from opposing defenses and pre-snap motion with some play action have each set up nice plays for himself and others on the offense.
Stewart continues to prove a capable runner as the Panthers continuously rely on a power run game to sustain drives and wear down opponents. Other than the two featured backs, reserves Fozzy Whittaker and Cameron Artis-Payne have seen limited action.
Offensive Line: 76, C
B- at 49ers, F vs. Bills, F vs. Saints, B- at Patriots
C at Lions, D vs. Eagles, D at Bears, B at Bucs
B- vs. Falcons, A vs. Dolphins, B- at Jets, B- at Saints
B+ vs. Vikings, B+ vs. Packers, B vs. Buccaneers, C at Falcons
Early the offensive line struggled with a new left tackle lacking live action with their starting quarterback. Once the Panthers allowed Newton to run freely it appeared lanes opened up for the backs and quarterback.
Newton has succeeded both on designed runs and by virtue of his inventive nature when pressed to scramble. Lacking their anchor, center Ryan Kalil, backup Tyler Larsen filled in admirably for a majority of the season.
Both tackle Daryl Williams and guard Andrew Norwell have played brilliantly along with Trai Turner, who should return from a concussion for the playoffs. If he does, this unit should continue their improved play after a rocky start.
Wide Receviers: 75, C
C- at 49ers, B vs. Bills, C- vs. Saints, B+ at Patriots
B at Lions, C vs. Eagles, D at Bears, C+ at Bucs
C- vs. Falcons, C vs. Dolphins, C- at Jets, C at Saints
C vs. Vikings, B- vs. Packers, C vs. Buccaneers, D at Falcons
The weakest unit on offense, Carolina traded former first-round pick and Newton’s favorite target, Kelvin Benjamin at the midyear deadline. Without Benjamin the offense appeared to get on track with deep threats Curtis Samuel and Damiere Byrd to spread the field.
Unfortunately, both have since been lost to injury for the season and replaced by a late round selection and undrafted free agent in Kaelin Clay and Brenton Bersin. While these two have attempted to carry the load opposite Devin Funchess, neither has provided a consistent threat to relieve defense’s focus on Funchess.
Wide receiver performances were never great, rarely average and more often than not, lacking throughout the season regardless of the individuals filling positions on the field.
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.