Panthers offense undergoing a new evolution
The Carolina Panthers have parted ways with offensive coordinator Mike Shula and quarterback coach Ken Dorsey…
Just days after Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera announced there would be no changes to his staff minus someone finding a job elsewhere, he acted. Following an 11-5 season and trip to the playoffs, the Panthers offense underwent an evolution of sorts throughout the season.
Last offseason, Carolina coaches talked about getting into more two tight end formations and developing quarterback Cam Newton into a pocket passer, all while maintaining their power run game philosophy. Any preparation and work put into these aspects essentially went out the window early in the season.
Tight end Greg Olsen was sidelined for a majority of the year with a broken bone in his foot and Newton’s development inside the pocket stalled an offense outfitted with mundane play calling. Opposing teams stacked the box with no concern that any of the Carolina receivers were capable of extending the field and even less concerned that Newton was going to run. Against these odds, moving the football via running backs Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey was near impossible.
Through eight games both combined for just 2.8 yards per carry and a single Week 8 touchdown. Changes were made midyear, involving a trade of former first-round pick Kelvin Benjamin and allowing Newton more freedom to move the football with his legs but for Rivera it wasn’t enough.
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Never tipping his hand to the media, Rivera and the Panthers fired offensive coordinator Mike Shula and quarterback coach Ken Dorsey after five seasons in their respective roles.
Now the evolution that was discussed last offseason can officially begin. Expectations will be high for whoever assumes the play calling duties, especially being outfitted with a dynamic athlete like McCaffrey and franchise quarterback in Newton.
Expected to also add a wide receiver during the draft, while benefiting from the return of speedsters Curtis Samuel and Damiere Byrd, receiving help could soon be on the way.
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Installation of a new system will take time, depending on the hire and pieces added via the draft but this is a welcome change for many. Newton included.