Panthers: 3 burning questions heading into Week 3 matchup vs. Cardinals

Question 3: Can the Panthers convert on third downs?

The Panthers have punted and settled for field goals entirely too much for a team that has hopes of making a playoff run. They punted four times and settled for four field goals in last week’s loss to the Buccaneers.

While some of the third-down woes are on Cam Newton’s inconsistent accuracy, some of the blame has to be put on the pass-catchers as well.

The team is in desperate need of a reliable third-down target that keeps the chains moving. Tight end Greg Olsen has solidified this role for years for the Panthers, but it is time for someone else to take the torch.

One of the young receivers has to step up and consistently make clutch catches on third down to keep drives alive. If Kyle Allen can deliver the ball with accuracy in this game then there will be no excuse for D.J. Moore or Curtis Samuel not to make the third-down catches that turn bad offenses to good ones.