Six ways the Panthers can increase their chances of making the playoffs

Here are a few ways the Panthers can increase their chances at the postseason.

The Carolina Panthers remain in a good position to make the playoffs this season despite their recent struggles in the first half of football games. Some fans have started to express their concerns about the outcome of this season after the Panthers scored just six points combined in the first four quarters of their last two games. It can be overwhelming to watch a team fight back in just one quarter.

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It is difficult to point fingers at one specific group of players or personnel for the numerous mistakes on the field thus far, but I must admit, the lack of pressure on the quarterback and discipline issues in the secondary is holding this team back.

There is no reason to panic at this time. The Panthers are second in their division, and there is plenty of football left in the season. Here is how I think the Panthers can increase their chances of making the playoffs.

1) Continue to run the ball often and get more players involved in the ground game

Entering week eight, the Carolina Panthers rank fourth overall in average rushing yards per game (163.3). Carolina’s leading rusher, Christian McCaffrey, ranks 15th in total rushing yards this season (378) and is averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Newton ranks 34th overall with 257 rushing yards under his belt this season.

The Panthers generally do well when they build momentum on the ground. This season there are multiple players on the active roster that can move the ball efficiently on the ground.

2) Get more pressure on quarterbacks

Compared to last season, the pressure coming from the defensive line is practically nonexistent. In 2017, the unit averaged three sacks and approximately six-and-a-half QB hits per game. This year, the Panthers are averaging just two sacks and roughly 4 QB hits per game thus far. Carolina’s defense is tied for 18th in sacks (16). The unit’s lack of pressure on the quarterback has made it easier for quarterbacks to put up big numbers against Carolina’s defense.

3) Run a no-huddle offense on a regular basis

There is no denying that Newton plays some of his best football when Carolina’s offense runs an uptempo, no-huddle offense. Newton does an excellent job of reading the formation of the defense and changing up his play accordingly. Carolina’s inspirational comeback-from-behind win on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles was just another example of what this team can do on the fly.

4) Have more faith in the younger players

Rivera for whatever reason is not playing some of the younger offensive players as much as he should. Curtis Samuel, an agile receiver who can quickly create separation from defenders, has played just 34 snaps (8.7%). Samuel has been targeted just five times this season, and that needs to change. Carolina Panthers tight end Ian Thomas is a player with a lot of potential – he just needs more playing time to get adjusted to Turner’s offense and build chemistry with Newton. Thomas has been on the field for 51.66% of offensive snaps this season, but his usage has seen a significant drop in the last two weeks. He hasn’t recorded a single catch nor been targeted once in weeks six or seven. First-round pick D.J. Moore has struggled to hold onto the ball on occasion but I will give him the benefit of the doubt considering his rookie status. His limited playing time (38.36% off all snaps) is holding him back and further delaying the relationship he must build with his quarterback. Like Samuel, Moore is a guy that can help stretch the field.

5) Carolina’s coaching staff cannot be afraid to go for it on fourth-and-short

If the Panthers are anywhere past the 50-yard line and are within a few yards of moving the chains, they should go for it on fourth down more often than they currently are. As we have seen in the past, electing to punt on a fourth-and-short situation can change the outcome of a game. The Panthers have two running backs, a fullback and a quarterback who are all more than capable of extending their arm past the yellow markers to continue a drive.

6) Score more points in the first half

Playing catch up on offense and relying on a heroic fourth quarterback every week may provide excitement for some people but the reality is, the Panthers will only get so far in a tough NFC football division by playing great football in just one quarter. Newton has not thrown more than three touchdowns in a game thus far. The Panthers have scored a touchdown in the first quarter just two games this season. Their best offensive performance in the first half of a football game this year happened in week five against the Giants – a game in which the unit scored 20 points in two quarters.

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