4 shocking Panthers stats that need to improve in Week 2 vs. Saints
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers were 4-14 on 3rd down
Keeping the chains moving is the hallmark of every contending team in the NFL. The Carolina Panthers had some complications in this particular area last season and things didn’t get much better in Week 1 against the New York Jets.
The Panthers eventually finished with a 28.57 percent success rate on third down. Carolina got themselves a first down just four times from 14 attempts.
Not the worst in the world by any stretch. But certainly, enough to cause potential problems when the opposition gets tougher in the weeks and months ahead.
As stated previously, this will be a good measuring stick for the Panthers, who are still perceived as a work in progress following some big-time changes to the roster after Scott Fitterer was chosen to replace Marty Hurney as general manager.
Finding a way to make plays in crucial third-down situations is something that separates the good from the great. And make no mistake, it needs to be a collective effort between coaches and players alike.
The New Orleans Saints will know full-well where the Panthers are vulnerable. One only has to put on the tape from Week 1 to see that.
What intricate changes Carolina makes to their approach before stepping onto the FieldTurf at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday will ultimately determine which way this game goes.