5 major talking points from Carolina Panthers defeat vs. the Vikings
By Luke Gray
The Carolina Panthers staff must improve
Similar to last week, the Carolina Panthers coaching staff left a lot to be desired.
Head coach Matt Rhule had issues again including penalties for 12 men on the field, special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn also had his troubles in return coverage. However, his unit did come up with a huge touchdown from a blocked punt.
Most concerningly was the play-calling of offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
In Brady’s defense, he is limited by a very weak offensive line and probably a below-average quarterback. But some of the stuff he’s dialing up is poor.
To start the game Sam Darnold threw a pick on the first play. When the Panthers got the ball back instead of trying to establish the run they tried to pass it.
Five of the first six plays were passes – with Darnold struggling early it was imperative to establish the run.
Another issue seems to be third-down play calling. One that sticks out was a 3rd-and-8 but Brady drew up a quick throw to D.J. Moore on a stick route which if he’d have caught the ball would have left him at least five yards short.
During the broadcast, Brady was referred to as an offensive genius. Something Panthers fans have yet to see.