4 bold changes the Carolina Panthers should consider vs. the Vikings

Carolina Panthers should call more motion plays

Let’s face it, Sam Darnold isn’t going to get much time in the pocket anytime soon. Certainly not until the Carolina Panthers make improving their offensive line a top priority this offseason.

Offensive coordinator Joe Brady is scheming things up well for Darnold and the offense. Outside of a few strange decisions and the obvious problems getting yards on third or fourth and short, obviously.

However, a play-caller can only do so much. Sometimes, it’s just execution.

Not having stable protection is causing Darnold to miss open receivers and panic in the pocket when it collapses around him. When that happens, the former USC star is prone to a critical error or two.

Brady should have the benefit of Christian McCaffrey back this week. The Panthers have lost two straight without the All-Pro and his mere presence on the field completely changes the dynamic and approach from opposing defenses.

Leaning on McCaffrey too much brings many complications. But if Brady can utilize Darnold’s mobility more efficiently with rollouts and easy throws, then it allows the signal-caller to get himself into a rhythm and perhaps even more time to go through his progressions as the game goes on.

Brady is generating some head coaching momentum early on this season in the wake of Jon Gruden’s “resignation” as the man in charge at the Las Vegas Raiders. So he won’t want Darnold to regress any further.