How can the Panthers help Tommy Tremble reach new heights in 2022?

Could new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo help Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble reach a completely different level in 2022? 

After catching the eye at times during his first season with the Carolina Panthers, expectations are gradually increasing for Tommy Tremble. The third-round pick in 2021 displayed flashes of promise when his name was called in the passing game and some outstanding assistance from a blocking standpoint looked the part despite the team struggling overall.

Much has been made of the Panthers keeping faith with Ian Thomas this offseason. The Indiana product got a new three-year extension to prevent him from hitting the free-agent market, which was a strange move to some considering how little he’s factored into the offensive scheme since becoming the No. 1 option.

The tight end market was judged well by the Panthers all things considered. And it’s hard to look at this personnel move and not think new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo didn’t have a telling influence.

Tremble has the athleticism and desire to become a bigger factor in proceedings. Something that could come around this season given how much McAdoo likes to implement tight ends into his game plan.

Carolina Panthers expecting bigger things from Tommy Tremble in 2022

The former Notre Dame standout recently spoke about the changes under McAdoo throughout the offseason period so far. Tremble also revealed what his primary objective will be entering Year 2 of his professional career.

"“I think McAdoo’s offense brings a lot of versatility to us — something we may not have had as much last year. It really just lets us play football, and for every situation, we’ve got a solution. I want to try to achieve, at least this upcoming year, is to not only be comfortable, but try to excel in this situation.”"

In order to accomplish this feat, Tremble must improve his route-running and improve consistency in catching the football under pressure. There is no margin for error in the NFL and getting wide-open doesn’t happen a lot, so the onus will be on the player to make the adjustments needed in the coming weeks.

The upside is obvious and pretty high regarding Tremble. A sentiment that was echoed by head coach Matt Rhule providing the second-year-pro continues to evolve and become more comfortable in the process.

"“The sky’s the limit, I believe, for Tommy Tremble. Tommy’s a young guy. He’s still an anxious guy, and as he gets more and more confident, I think we’ll see him continue to evolve as a player.”"

McAdoo has the potential to unlock Tremble’s true potential. It’s something he’s accomplished with tight ends such as Evan Engram in the past and any improvements in 2022 will help the Panthers out enormously during a crucial third campaign at the helm for Rhule.

Thomas will also play a part and in fairness to the player, his blocking has come on leaps and bounds since he replaced Greg Olsen as the starting option. But it will be interesting to see who comes out on top between the veteran and Tremble in training camp.

That will be the strongest indicator regarding Tremble’s progress. It’s also important for the organization to get him plenty of targets throughout the preseason without jeopardizing his health.

The early signs were promising. However, what comes next for Tremble will tell us plenty about what he can bring to the Panthers long term.