4 key stats that should improve for the Carolina Panthers in 2021
By Dean Jones
Red Zone Scoring Percentage (TD only)
- 2020 number – 50.88%
The Carolina Panthers made it into the red zone a bunch in 2020 only for them to come up short almost half of the time. Turning production inside the 20-yard-line into touchdowns was a big problem for the offense last season, which was down to indecisive quarterback play from Teddy Bridgewater and some naive play-calling from first-year offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Bridgewater is obviously no longer around after being traded to the Denver Broncos and Brady should come on a significant amount after going through some expected growing pains. However, there is one big element that factors into an increase in Carolina’s 50.88 percent touchdown red-zone success rate in 2021.
That, of course, is the return to full health of Christian McCaffrey.
The running back turned out just three times for the Panthers last season, ending his run of not missing a single contest since arriving at the next level as a first-round pick out of Stanford.
This is something that hurt the Panthers considerably in key moments and played a leading role in the team losing a jaw-dropping eight games by one score.
Having the All-Pro back in the mix is a massive boost.
Sam Darnold and the offensive line needs to reach the level expected. But Brady can at least count on McCaffrey producing the goods in key situations.