Carolina Panthers: Embracing the new age of leadership

LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Matt Rhule of the Baylor Bears is presented the Shootout trophy for winning the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on November 24, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Baylor defeated Texas Tech 35-24. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Matt Rhule of the Baylor Bears is presented the Shootout trophy for winning the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on November 24, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Baylor defeated Texas Tech 35-24. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers looks to pass in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers looks to pass in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Why be happy?

Let’s put this into perspective: the Panthers just hired an offensive-minded coach who has a fairly solid and young offense to work with. Assuming that Cam returns there will be three (arguably four) offensive leaders for the head coach to rely on for motivation and cooperation. Did I mention they’re all quite young?

Assuming Olsen is done in Carolina, coach Rhule’s summer project will be to develop another positional leader, a tight end who can excite Panther fans and make the job look easy.

It’ll end up being a hot competition for someone to step up and rally his cohort of tight ends with just enough competitiveness to push the group, but also enough charisma to earn everyone’s respect. The offense doesn’t necessarily need that person to be exactly like Olsen, but that person will have to prove to the coach Rhule that they can be an exemplary player for the next few years.