What are some of the clearest signs that the Carolina Panthers have regressed significantly in the second year of head coach Matt Rhule’s tenure?
All is not well within the Carolina Panthers. A highly encouraging start to the 2021 season was quickly followed by a completely unacceptable trend in the wrong direction that’s brought around some grave concerns about Matt Rhule and his ability to bring his college program-building success to the NFL.
Sunday’s loss at the New Orleans Saints did nothing to really dispel the notion Rhule isn’t cut out for the job. The former Baylor man talks about the process and how it’s working even if you cannot see it, but the proof is in results and performances when it’s all said and done.
Most reporters with knowledge of the situation expect Rhule to come back in 2022. Whether that’s going to be on a short leash or without the final say on personnel decisions is another matter entirely.
Without further ado, here are four clear signs that the Panthers‘ process has not gone as anticipated this season.
Sign No. 1
Carolina Panthers cannot make simple adjustments
Carolina’s coaching staff got a pass for their failure to make in-game adjustments to assist the team in 2020. A college staff with no NFL experience at the top level was the excuse.
However, with the 2021 campaign almost at an end, it appears to be much more than that.
It’s absolutely textbook and happens during almost every game. The first couple of drives come with some encouragement, but this all unravels quickly once opposing teams alter their approach and Carolina cannot come up with the right answers.
This staff cannot be classed as inexperienced any longer. And this is a major factor behind the team’s failings throughout the campaign.
Carolina Panthers are a disaster zone at QB
Having stability at the quarterback position is the hallmark of any contending team. To say the Carolina Panthers have been without this in 2021 would be the biggest understatement imaginable.
Carolina went big game hunting during the offseason with failed trade attempts for Matthew Stafford and Deshaun Watson. They eventually settled on Sam Darnold, giving up three draft picks to the New York Jets for a clear reclamation project.
Darnold got off to a good start but regressed considerably. Once the signal-caller got injured, the Panthers made a bombshell move to bring back Cam Newton, which might have been a business move more than anything else.
It was a difficult situation for Newton coming in so late. But Matt Rhule got him out of the lineup at the earliest possible chance in favor of Darnold against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who is the only quarterback under contract in 2022.
This whole situation is a mess. One that Rhule and the Panthers brought on themselves by not drafting a future prospect and complicating the situation further with the acquisition of Darnold.
What comes next is uncertain. It’s unlikely the Panthers will find a willing trade partner for Darnold and his $18.85 million guaranteed, which could mean Newton departs for a second time in three years as a result.
Until this gets sorted out one way or another, Carolina will only get so far.
Carolina Panthers OL gamble failed
It wasn’t hard to point out where one area of grave concern was for the Carolina Panthers. A series of bizarre decisions in terms of offensive line recruits gave many fans and analysts severe cause for pessimism – something that’s come to fruition almost from start to finish.
Head coach Matt Rhule gets the final say on personnel decisions, which is why there are more than a few murmurings of discontent regarding his methods. Signing Cam Erving and Pat Elflein to two-year deals on the first day of free agency indicates pro player evaluation isn’t where it needs to be – with the Panthers also choosing to ignore this critical area of the field until the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Trading up for Brady Christensen was an intriguing move. But the coaching staff waited until the last possible moment to put the BYU product at his preferred position of left tackle, citing short arms as the primary factor behind the decision.
Judging by the way Christensen’s performed over the last two games, this was a major error. And sixth-rounder Deonte Brown has seldom been seen due to lack of development, injury, and weight issues.
Rhule stated in his Monday presser that improving protection needs real investment this offseason. However, this front office hasn’t proven up to the task of finding the right talent so far.
Carolina Panthers performances and results
At the end of the day, the NFL is a results business. And the Carolina Panthers haven’t been up to the required standard during the 2021 season.
It all started so well. A 3-0 start against inferior opposition came with increased expectations that the Panthers weren’t ready for – and all it took was Christian McCaffrey going down once again for this team to unravel.
Since then, it’s been a complete capitulation.
Poor production, confidence past the point of no return for many, severe discipline issues, and no consistency on the offensive line or at quarterback have seen Carolina go 2-11 ever since and look well on course for a worse record in terms of win percentage than any of the previous two campaigns.
This might be better if the Panthers didn’t have a cupcake schedule early and performances were encouraging. But that’s not been the case and although Matt Rhule is deemed safe unless there’s an epic meltdown – that might have already occurred judging by what’s transpired.
Some established veterans such as Shaq Thompson are getting pretty tired of “repeat offenders” on the roster making the same mistakes. This is all on personnel decision-makers and coaches – with one common denominator getting the final say on both.
What comes next is up for significant debate. But one thing is for sure, it’ll be fascinating to watch in the coming months.