3 reasons versatility will be crucial for the Panthers in 2021

Keeping the opposition guessing

Once NFL teams get a good dose of film to prepare for the opposition, it makes the element of surprise much less likely. How they counteract this is what separates the good teams from the great and the Carolina Panthers must utilize every possible option available to them throughout the campaign if they want to enter the postseason discussion when it’s all said and done.

Having individuals that can do many things on both sides of the ball is a luxury most teams across the league simply don’t have. Whether teams are heavily reliant on the run or possess the benefit of a quarterback who can make things happen at the drop of a hat, rarely does one see a balanced offense in this day and age.

The Panthers could be the exception to the rule.

But they have to take some of the pressure off their star running back Christian McCaffrey and make the most out of the outstanding weapons at their disposal.

This will come down to Joe Brady being a little bolder with his scheme in Year 2 as offensive coordinator, which could make all the difference if he wants to get a head coaching job next spring.

Much is also going to depend on quarterback Sam Darnold making a better go of things in a different environment. But the Panthers can relax safe in the knowledge they have an abundance of athletic, versatile weapons on defense who can fly around the field and produce the goods when it matters most.