4 ways the Carolina Panthers can improve on offense in 2021

Pass protection

One of the primary reasons why Sam Darnold’s career hasn’t gone according to plan so far is the lack of protection he was afforded on the New York Jets.

Not a single game went by where the signal-caller wasn’t crumbled in a heap in front of a dismal offensive line. If the Carolina Panthers want the quarterback to make a better go of things in a new environment, they’ll have to keep him upright.

Getting better pass protection is absolutely pivotal.

But whether the Panthers are in a position to progress in this key area is another matter entirely.

There wasn’t much in the way of proven quality brought onto the roster this offseason. Carolina picked up underperforming veterans Cam Erving and Pat Elflein in free agency, with promising rookie duo Brady Christensen and Deonte Brown taken during the 2021 NFL Draft.

Taylor Moton is the only player guaranteed to sure things up from the right tackle position. It’s going to be a challenge for the rest to reach the level expected.

Getting a full preseason schedule to build chemistry could make a big difference. This is not something the Panthers had at their disposal last summer thanks to COVID-19 restrictions, so making every rep count during warmups will give them a better indication on which players should be in the lineup in Week 1.

Whoever it is, they need to hit the ground running.

Darnold’s career probably depends on it.