Which Carolina Panthers position groups have improved the most during a frantic 2022 offseason period so far?
Although there is much work still to do, the Carolina Panthers have quietly put together an impressive offseason. New coaches came into the fold with legitimate NFL experience and problem areas of the roster were strengthened significantly over the early stages of 2022 free agency to further boost optimism that was non-existent after the previous campaign came to a conclusion.
Obviously, there are some areas that need significant work. The Panthers still need a franchise left tackle and their obvious desire to find an upgrade on quarterback Sam Darnold will shape the team’s chances for good or bad next time around.
Things have to go well for the Panthers in 2022. Matt Rhule cannot afford additional failings on the field and the head coach has no more scapegoats remaining if things continue trending on a downward curve.
Without further ado, here are four Panthers positional groups that have improved most during a busy offseason so far.
Position Group No. 1
Carolina Panthers ST
An often frustrating factor behind poor production for the Carolina Panthers has been special teams. However, there is much more cause for optimism after some impressive moves in recent weeks.
Carolina hired Chris Tabor as the team’s new special teams coordinator after firing Chase Blackburn, which should help enormously. Kicker Zane Gonzalez also re-signed after a phenomenal 2021 campaign and the Panthers got their hands on All-Decade punter Johnny Hekker following his release by the Los Angeles Rams.
All this should mean a big increase in production from this unit. But they still need to find a reliable kick returner to bolster their hopes.
Carolina Panthers OL
It came as no shock to see the Carolina Panthers struggle so much across their offensive line in 2021. A group that consisted of underperforming veterans and mid-level draft prospects outside of right tackle Taylor Moton failed to become a cohesive unit, crumbling in the face of pressure and giving whoever was under center almost no chance of making an impression.
General manager Scott Fitterer stated that strengthening this group would be among the team’s top priorities this offseason. Something that’s come with some notable signings and a new offensive line coach that should be a substantial upgrade on recently fired Pat Meyer.
James Campen is one of the most respected position coaches in the league. He has attained a wealth of experience and success spanning decades and couple this with the acquisitions of Austin Corbett and Bradley Bozeman, the Panthers might just have found the right formula at last
There remains some concern about who is going to man the left tackle spot. Brady Christensen showed promise during limited reps at his preferred spot last season, but the Panthers would be wise to select Evan Neal or Ikem Ekwonu if one fell out of the top five.
Fitterer stated in his Friday presser that the Panthers aren’t far away from dropping a quarterback in and taking off. Adding a productive blindside protector to this improved group would give them every chance of reaching this particular objective.
Carolina Panthers RBs
One of the main frustrations where the Carolina Panthers were concerned in 2021 was the absence of Christian McCaffrey for a considerable period of time once again. The All-Pro running back started off the season hot, but an injury suffered in Week 3 at the Houston Texans derailed this and he was never quite the same after that en route to just seven appearances.
McCaffrey has now featured 10 times over two seasons since signing his lucrative four-year contract extension. Rookie fourth-round pick Chuba Hubbard performed admirably in his absence, but he was a non-factor in the passing game, and his inability to create yards after initial contact was another thing not exactly working in his favor.
Thankfully, the Panthers also recognized this and wasted no time in strengthening their options behind McCaffrey. In came D’Onta Foreman in free agency following a successful stint with the Tennessee Titans, who brings an intriguing set of skills to the franchise that should be beneficial for the team and the Stanford product in equal measure.
Foreman has exceptional contact balance, can assist in pass-blocking far more effectively than Hubbard, and has no trouble gaining hard yards in between the tackles. This is the clearest sign yet that Carolina plenty to utilize McCaffrey in a completely different way next season, which should be welcomed by the player after so much disappointment on the health front.
Just what this means for Hubbard’s involvement remains to be seen. But the running back group looks much stronger now with McCaffrey back and Foreman on board.
Carolina Panthers ILBs
Luke Kuechly was one of the greatest inside linebackers to ever lace them up and the Carolina Panthers were extremely fortunate to have such a top performer throughout his eight-year career. The task to find a respectable successor has been a challenging one, with the organization going down a new path for the third straight offseason since the perennial All-Pro hung up his cleats.
It was disappointing to see Jermaine Carter become so inconsistent in 2021. Especially considering the Panthers opted to trade away Denzel Perryman to the Las Vegas Raiders, who surged his way to a first-ever Pro Bowl selection following the move.
Perhaps it will be third time lucky for Carolina this offseason. The team moved quickly to snap up Damien Wilson in free agency and also got their hands on Cory Littleton to give their options another big shot in the arm.
Considering how good Wilson is against the run and how Littleton thrives in coverage, Carolina could be considering a rotational inside linebacker tandem rather than relying on one guy. This might be the answer they’ve been looking for, although something of a complication if an opposing offense is running a no-huddle scheme.
Whether this results in more consistency at the second level is up for debate. But it’s a potentially unique approach that could bear fruit providing everyone gets on the same page quickly.