4 burning questions Carolina Panthers fans are asking ahead of Week 1

(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Derrick Brown
(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Derrick Brown
5 of 5
Carolina Panthers
(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Baker Mayfield and Ben McAdoo

Could the Carolina Panthers’ offense be more efficient?

What are we expecting to see from offensive play calling that just wasn’t there or working last year? – @tg_enfl via Twitter

Thank you for your question, @tg_enfl!

Ben McAdoo has plenty to prove as the Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator. However, from what we have seen in the preseason, this offense will run plenty of variations of 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR), 13 personnel (1 RB, 3 TE, 1 WR), and 21 personnel (2 RB, 1 TE, 2 WR).

It would be a surprise if we didn’t see an aggressive offense from McAdoo. With a quarterback such as Baker Mayfield, I expect that we will be seeing more play-action and misdirection to get the defense off-balanced and allow the former No. 1 overall selection in 2018 to work the middle of the field and take chances on deep bombs when they present themselves.

As I mentioned on the previous slide, expect to see a more physical goal-line offense than in years past. This is down to significant upgrades made at running back and the offensive line.

I also expect McAdoo to implement more plays to get the tight ends involved in the passing game. An area where Carolina has lacked consistent production since the release of franchise tight end Greg Olsen before the 2020 season.

Thank you to these four individuals for some great questions. I will be back next week to answer your burning questions following this weekend’s game against the Cleveland Browns, which will hopefully set the tone for a successful campaign.

Schedule