10 quick thoughts on the Panthers loss at the NY Giants in Week 2

Carolina Panthers must stop dropping Brian Burns in coverage

Considering how low the Carolina Panthers are of reliable pass-rushing options, for defensive coordinator Phil Snow to be dropping his best weapon in this crucial area into coverage is unacceptable.

Brian Burns was wreaking havoc on rookie right tackle Evan Neal. But Snow’s insistence to have him assist in pass defense was bemusing and frustrating in equal measure.

Something that needs to be removed from the defensive game plan immediately.

Rough afternoon for Shi Smith

After being declared healthy enough to participate, Shi Smith’s contribution wasn’t what the Panthers were hoping for from their No. 3 wideout. The former sixth-round pick had a couple of key drops throughout the contest and could have made more from a wide-open look that was a little overthrown by Baker Mayfield in the third quarter.

Just how much his indifferent performance was down to injury is debatable. However, one reception from six targets for two receiving yards is not going to cut it.

Carolina Panthers’ offense struggled on 3rd down

Third-down conversions weren’t up to the required standard for a second-straight week. The Panthers didn’t manage to find the right solutions to this ongoing problem, which resulted in just two successful conversions from 12 attempts.

This should hopefully improve the more familiar Baker Mayfield and his pass-catchers become. But the Panthers cannot afford this to go on for much longer given the strength of teams upcoming on the schedule.