Could Panthers offense benefit from possible onside kick rule change?

How would the Carolina Panthers benefit from a tabled rule change regarding onside kicks?

Big changes could be coming to fourth down situations in the NFL. But what impact could this have on the Carolina Panthers?

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, league owners approved three rule adjustments ahead of the 2020 campaign. Another which was tabled was to “provide a fourth-and-15 alternative to the onside kick”, which did not pass the voting stage.

This would have huge ramifications on offenses across the league. Some would benefit from it more than others in the eventuality it was implemented. And the Carolina Panthers could be one of them.

The proposed rule changes for 2020 were to make the permanent expansion of automatic replay reviews to include scoring plays/turnovers negated by foul, expanded defenseless player protection for kick and punt returners, in addition to preventing manipulation of the game clock with multiple dead-ball fouls.

NFL owners also approved one bylaw change that allows teams to bring back three players from the injured reserve list throughout the season.

This is another ruling that will be a welcome change for teams across the league. But it is hard not to cast one’s eye to the tabled rule that would all-but eliminate the onside kick. Although these plans will have to wait another year, momentum is building regarding the proposition.

Imagine a team like the Kansas City Chiefs down two and needing an onside kick to get the ball back. If the tabled fourth-and-15 rule eventually comes in. It would leave quarterback Patrick Mahomes and their high-octane offense with an uncontested ball and within 15-yards of getting another opportunity to move the chains.

There is also some potential regarding this landmark proposal for the Carolina Panthers, who have plenty of threats down the field to call upon themselves.

How would a fourth-and-15 option benefit the Carolina Panthers?

Supposing for argument’s sake that the tabled fourth-and-15 rule change came in during the 2021 season. This is something that could really be of use to the Carolina Panthers.

Hopefully, the team will be more competitive by then in new head coach Matt Rhule’s second year at the helm. If they are, it would see them involved in plenty more close games than the upcoming campaign.

Whether it is Teddy Bridgewater or another signal-caller under center is up for debate. But the Panthers could go in this particular direction if presented with the opportunity almost every time.

This is down to a potent wide receiver duo of D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson, who are renowned for their impact to make plays stretching the field. If Curtis Samuel ends up signing an extension following this season. Then it would be another considerable boost for their hopes of gaining success from any fourth-and-15 situation.

Realistically speaking, any team that is down a score with only an onside kick as hope to salvage anything from a game is going to go with this tabled option, providing it receives approval. It represents a better chance than the lottery of a kick as an offense is guaranteed a chance with one specific play.

The Panthers would fare better than most with the weapons at their disposal. And it could make all the difference if the franchise is in a position to push for the postseason in 2021.