4 critical observations from Panthers’ loss vs. Browns in Week 1

A mixed day for Carolina Panthers OC Ben McAdoo

It was certainly an up-and-down day for new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. In the first half, we saw his play-calling create little rhythm – mainly due to a lack of run game – with the Carolina Panthers surprisingly giving Christian McCaffrey just three carries over the opening two quarters.

But to give McAdoo credit, we saw second-half adjustment rarely seen under Matt Rhule. The Panthers scored 17 points in the fourth quarter, which coincided unsurprisingly with McCaffrey seeing much more of the ball and Baker Mayfield finally getting comfortable under center.

While it’s understandable the Panthers may want to limit McCaffrey due to his injury concerns, he’s still Carolina’s most dynamic player and should be given the ball at every opportunity.

In defense of McAdoo, he was up against a Cleveland Browns’ defensive unit that boasts playmakers everywhere you look. So, the fact we saw actual adjustments which translated to a much more competent offense in the second half is a positive for the former New York Giants head coach moving forward.

One would imagine the Panthers’ offense will look to continue their fourth quarter production in Week 2 when they face a Giants team much less talented than Cleveland. Although Brian Daboll’s men will be full of confidence following an impressive win at the Tenessee Titans to begin their campaign.