4 ways the Carolina Panthers can build on Week 3 win at the Chargers
By Dean Jones
Improve third-down efficiency
It was a frustrating afternoon for the Carolina Panthers regarding their inability to convert on third down. This put additional pressure on their defense, who held firm in the face of some sustained pressure to play a leading role in the win.
The Panthers went 3-12 on third downs, which simply isn’t good enough if they want to build on their opening victory. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has moved the chains consistently over the first few weeks of the season. But this is an area that needs to get better.
There is nothing to suggest Carolina cannot make some improvements to enhance their ability to move the chains. The chemistry still appears a little off and offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s play-calling has been strange at times in this scenario.
This is a work in progress, of that there is little doubt. Not having All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey to call upon on short-yardage third downs really hurt them and they need to come up with a solution for as long as their face of the franchise is missing through injury,
If the Panthers can do this, and their defense continues to make strides, then the sky is the limit for a group that has the ability to put significant points on the board.