4 things that must change for the Carolina Panthers in 2021
By Dean Jones
What things must change where the Carolina Panthers are concerned if they want to progress on the field in 2021?
The Carolina Panthers are quietly fancied to make some real strides in 2021. They made an encouraging start under Matt Rhule despite finishing with a 5-11 record once again, but the organization deserves credit for being bold in their decision-making process this offseason with a view to making further progress next time around.
Scott Fitterer’s introduction as general manager played an obvious part in this. He came from the Seattle Seahawks with a clear sense of purpose and hit it off instantly with Rhule, which is reflected with a strong period of recruitment in recent months during free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.
Putting the right pieces together is a small part, although very important.
What comes next during a more structured preparation period will make all the difference as the Panthers look to capitalize on some winnable early games on the schedule over the first six weeks of the campaign.
Having a full training camp and preseason games should help greatly. This is something Rhule and his new-look roster didn’t get last summer and although every team went through the same complications, it affected this inexperienced group more than most
There is much work to be done between now and when the Panthers take the field in Week 1 against the New York Jets. Here are four things that must change if Carolina wants to become a potential playoff contender next season.