Carolina Panthers must get more consistency from pass-catchers
There was a real sense of optimism about what the Carolina Panthers could accomplish in the passing game before the 2021 season. D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson were both coming off 1,000-yard receiving campaigns and the options available were given a real boost when the organization selected both Terrace Marshall Jr. and Shi Smith during the draft.
Sadly, things did not go according to plan. Christian McCaffrey’s injury problems continued and Sam Darnold‘s inconsistent distribution under center meant nobody aside from Moore emerged from the season with anything like the numbers anticipated.
The Panthers fired Joe Brady midway through the bye week and replaced him with Ben McAdoo this offseason. His experience as an offensive coordinator could make all the difference, but there remains a big cloud hanging over Darnold and whether more might be needed despite the arrival of rookie signal-caller Matt Corral.
Anderson, Smith, and Marshall must make more of the opportunities that come their way. Rashard Higgins’ arrival in free agency is another potential positive providing his transition to Carolina goes smoothly.
Much is also expected of the tight end tandem of Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas within McAdoo’s scheme. If McCaffrey can stay healthy and the offensive line performs as expected, then it’s hard to envisage a situation where pass-catching production doesn’t increase.
However, this begins and ends with the quarterback. And there is no guarantee Carolina has the right guy on the team currently.