Progress report and grades for Panthers offense through Week 4

Carolina Panthers TEs

• Grade: C-

If there is one area of the Carolina Panthers’ offense that needs to improve, it is the production they are getting from the tight end position. They have been relatively anonymous compared to other weapons in the passing game and if adjustments can be made, then would arguably make them the complete package.

Much more was expected of Ian Thomas, who was primed for a breakout year following the departure of Greg Olsen in free agency. He did manage his first touchdown of the season against the Cardinals in Week 4, but his contribution has been minimal besides that.

Thomas has all the skills one looks for in a prominent pass catcher at the position. However, the NFL is a cutthroat business and if he cannot show the coaching staff more as the season goes on, then this might be his final year with the organization.

Nothing much was predicted regarding Chris Manhertz in the passing game. He is seen more as a blocking tight end and this is a role he has filled well this season, but he has brought in all three targets thrown his way so far.

Whether Manhertz will emerge as the primary tight end ahead of Thomas is up for debate. Their production might come with more involvement down the line, but there are plenty of mouths to feed in the passing game and this represents a problem for the duo.