How much can the Panthers’ offense improve in 2020?

What can the Carolina Panthers expect from their offense in 2020?

While the Carolina Panthers do have some lingering questions about their ability to stop teams scoring. Their offense has some huge potential heading into 2020.

They have a more consistent quarterback under center in Teddy Bridgewater. And their All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey is set to continue his exceptional production with the Carolina Panthers under new offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

Mark Schofield appeared less optimistic about the Panthers’ chances of improvement offensively. The Touchdown Wire writer ranked all NFL offenses and had Carolina at No. 20 out of 32.

He projected them to score 21.3 points-per-game, attain 341.8 yards-per-game, and record 5.1 yards-per-play.

Speaking about the Panthers’ chances to thrive on the offensive side of the ball, Schofield had this to say.

"“The Carolina Panthers’ offense will rise or fall in 2020 largely based on two new faces: Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Brady, who joins the organization after a run to a National Championship as LSU’s passing game coordinator, is expected to install a modern West Coast offense that mirrors what the New Orleans Saints run, but with more quarterback-friendly components and run/pass elements. Perhaps a perfect fit for the talent on the roster, such as running back Christian McCaffrey.“But the triggerman for that offense is another new face, in Bridgewater. The veteran passer should be ready to run this system, given his time in New Orleans and with Brady, but he is years removed from being a full-time starter. The potential is there for this to work, but potential does not equal results.”"

This seems like relatively low expectations for a group that is littered with potential playmakers. Much will depend on how the Panthers’ offensive line holds up against some formidable opposition. But if they can give Bridgewater and others time to do their thing then it should come with some outstanding production.

Can Joe Brady get the most out of his weapons with the Carolina Panthers?

Joe Brady comes into the NFL having masterminded the LSU Tigers’ offensive gameplan on their way to a National Championship triumph. This is going to do the coach an enormous amount of good as he looks to establish himself within a professional environment.

There is plenty to work with offensively for the Carolina Panthers. In D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and Curtis Samuel, Brady has three potent receiving options that can make an impact down the field or across the middle.

Having the best dual-threat back in the NFL is also something that will assist Brady’s transition considerably. McCaffrey is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. And while he might not see more than the 400 touches he recorded in 2019. He should once again be the focal point of the Panthers offense going forward.

There is considerable pressure on the shoulders of Ian Thomas to finally emerge from Greg Olsen’s shadow after the veteran departed for the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. He has shown signs of promise during his career to date. But it remains to be seen how the player will cope with being the team’s No. 1 option.

One area of concern for the Panthers’ offense is the protection Bridgewater will receive. They acquired Russell Okung, John Miller, and Michael Schofield in free agency. However, perennial Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner is now with the Los Angeles Chargers and his production is going to be sorely missed.

The Carolina Panthers might not have any postseason aspirations in 2020. But it would be a huge surprise of their offense eventually ended the campaign as the 20th best in the NFL. There is substantial potential within the group. And it will be up to Brady to get them firing on all cylinders from the off.