5 Carolina Panthers who are living on borrowed time
By Dean Jones
Jeff Nixon – Carolina Panthers OC
The Carolina Panthers made a bold move to relieve offensive coordinator Joe Brady of his duties halfway through their bye week. Matt Rhule felt like a fresh approach was needed and installed long-time friend Jeff Nixon into the role in the hope this could galvanize a unit that’s been an unbelievable disappointment in 2021.
Sadly, this has not gone according to plan. One could even argue that the Panthers are somehow worse with Nixon calling plays.
Carolina’s scheme with Sam Darnold back under center at the New Orleans Saints was a testament to a supreme lack of faith in current personnel. The signal-caller didn’t make many throws over 10 yards and once the home team figured things out, it was one-way traffic.
This is a talent issue and a coaching problem in almost equal measure. The offensive line is a sorry state and a revolving door at quarterback only complicates matters further for the Panthers.
Rhule is unlikely to fire Nixon given their friendship.
That’s not the way he works.
However, if this was an audition for Nixon to become Carolina’s permanent offensive coordinator, it’s one he has failed in no uncertain teams. And that is yet another important decision the team has to make before the 2022 campaign gets underway.