4 ways the Carolina Panthers can avoid disaster this offseason
By Dean Jones
How can the Carolina Panthers avoid disaster during what is undoubtedly one of the most important offseasons in franchise history?
A 5-12 finish and little in the way of hope means this offseason is of critical importance for the Carolina Panthers. Team owner David Tepper is sticking with head coach Matt Rhule for a third year unless something dramatic happens in the coming days, which has been met with widespread derision from fans and media figures who’ve already decided he isn’t up to the challenge.
Banking on a magical Year 3 of progression is foolish when one considers the Panthers‘ strength of schedule in 2022. Simply put, there is simply no margin for error anymore after a campaign that began well but tailed off in a turbulent fashion.
Cam Newton’s claims that not everybody was buying into Rhule’s methods were damning. Something that has to change if the Panthers want to get out of their current slump and start trending in the right direction.
Some huge decisions await those in power. Here are four ways Carolina can avoid disaster this offseason.
Way No. 1
Carolina Panthers must appoint the right OC
Firing Joe Brady brought little in the way of improvement on offense. The Carolina Panthers were anemic and predictable in equal measure with Jeff Nixon calling the plays, so it’s vital Matt Rhule finds the right guy to work alongside this offseason.
Someone with previous experience at the NFL level would be highly advantageous. Brady’s reputation as a progressive young offensive mind didn’t amount to much, so perhaps someone like Pep Hamilton would be a shrewd move by Rhule in the grand scheme of things.
Given Jay Glazer’s report stating David Tepper was looking to make a big splash with his next appointment, Rhule has plenty riding on whatever call he ends up making.