4 keys to salvaging the Carolina Panthers’ 2021 season
By Noah Bryce
Carolina Panthers should save the stars for the future
The Carolina Panthers have learned the hard way what happens when a star player goes down with an injury this season. There is a lesson there that the team, and organization as a whole, desperately need to learn.
Sitting star players is a bit of a controversial subject, specifically in the NBA for TV ratings and competition reasons. But when a season is essentially over there is no need to risk a potential Pro Football Hall of Fame future for a meaningless win.
D.J. Moore is essentially the only star left standing for the Panthers at this point in the season on offense and with Christian McCaffrey out, the stud wide receiver will only see his role increase from here on. He is the only player capable of reliably getting open after all.
But should it really?
Moore has the potential to be an elite player. His production with subpar quarterback play speaks for itself. So while sitting the receiver completely isn’t something that the team can do, limiting the punishment he takes might be something to consider.
Limit his snaps and targets so that there is less chance of him taking a career-altering hit. This is easier said than done if McCaffrey’s level of usage is any indication.
Stephon Gilmore is in the same position as the superstar corner is coming off a devastating injury of his own. But with Donte Jackson now on season-ending injured/reserve, that may not be an option anymore.
The Panthers went all-in on 2021 and it didn’t work out. So it’s time to start planning for the future.