4 things Panthers HC Matt Rhule must get right in 2021
By Dean Jones
Open the playbook
Joe Brady got a bunch of head coaching interviews following the campaign despite having just one year of play-calling experience at the next level. The offensive coordinator was hit and miss with his decisions at times in key moments, which ultimately saw teams decide he may need another season under his belt before he is ready to make the transition.
This is good news for the Carolina Panthers, who pulled off a coup when they acquired Brady from LSU after he masterminded their passing attack en route to a convincing National Championship in 2019. They put up some good numbers on offense overall in 2020, but opening the playbook somewhat will be crucial to their pursuit of becoming a legitimate playoff contender at the earliest possible opportunity.
Matt Rhule will play a part in this.
Getting Christian McCaffrey back fully fit and firing on all cylinders will also help.
However, it appears there is a franchise-altering change coming at quarterback if The Panthers’ actions early in the 2021 preparation period are any indication.
Teddy Bridgewater’s indifferent campaign under center is going to see some extra competition brought in for the former first-round pick, at the very least. And if Carolina manages to secure a notable trade for a supreme talent like Deshaun Watson, it will spell the end of his time with the franchise.