4 growing concerns for the Carolina Panthers in 2020
By Dean Jones
The rebuild length
If head coach Matt Rhule was under any illusions as to just what a big task he is undertaking with the Carolina Panthers, then their recent five-game losing run has left no doubt. The former Baylor and Temple man has a superb track record of building up struggling programs back to prominence and although he’s made a good start overall to coaching at the next level, there is still much more to be done.
The Panthers are facing another crucial offseason period in 2021, of that there is little doubt.
There are sure to see plenty more changes to player personnel in pursuit of becoming a postseason contender. Carolina does have more money available for free agency and it appears as if they’ll be picking in the top-ten of the NFL Draft once again if things continue as they are.
This was always going to be a long project and we’ve stressed keeping the bigger picture in mind when assessing the Panthers’ 2020 season. However, their current options were supposed to get better – not worse – as the campaign went on and it’s left some questioning just how much more needs to be done to turn this team into a legitimate contender.
Rhule has proven that he was the right hire. He’s adjusted well in difficult circumstances surrounding COVID-19 during the preparation period and seems to have the respect of the locker room, which is another strong positive that shouldn’t be overlooked.
He’ll rightfully get a pass for whatever record the Panthers end up with. But that won’t be the case for much longer as owner David Tepper puts together ambitious – and costly – plans to transform Carolina both on and off the field.