3 problems the Carolina Panthers need to fix at the midseason point

Options at linebacker

One of the glaring deficiencies for the Carolina Panthers has been a distinct lack of production at linebacker. Rookie sensation Jeremy Chinn has been tremendous, but one player alone cannot do it all at the second level.

This is something that should be a priority for the organization. It has become a real wink link and opposing teams are now fully aware of this and taking advantage accordingly.

The likes of Shaq Thompson and Tahir Whitehead have failed to meet preseason expectations. Both players look sluggish in run support and their inability to cover efficiently is another big problem that doesn’t seem to be getting better.

Chinn is covering up some of their poor play with his explosive sideline-to-sideline presence that has made him an instant favorite with Carolina’s fanbase. But the simple fact of the matter is that it shouldn’t be up to the former Southern Illinois standout to do this.

Thompson and Whitehead should still see plenty of the field during the final eight games. But this is down to the distinct lack of depth at the position and not due to their performance. The Panthers are missing Luke Kuechly an untold amount and of all the problems Carolina has through the first eight weeks, this is arguably the most important to fix.