5 burning questions Panthers fans are asking ahead of Week 3 vs. Saints

Concerns involving the Carolina Panthers’ offense

Where’s the disconnect on offense? For the last few years now, seems that no matter who the QB or OC is, we cannot for the life of us sustain a consistent offense. A shaky O-Line contributes for sure, but even with improvements and upgrades, the Carolina Panthers’ offense remains abysmal. – Chris White

Thank you for your question, Chris!

I think there are a couple of factors as to why there is a disconnect on the offensive side of the ball. The first is early season rustiness and chemistry issues. The other is inconsistencies from a disciplinary and fundamental standpoint.

This group is still meshing together. Thanks to Matt Rhule’s decision of creating open competition at critical spots such as left tackle, left guard, center, and quarterback, this current starting offense has had only a few weeks to create chemistry and get into a groove.

Baker Mayfield, who the Carolina Panthers traded for in early July from the Cleveland Browns, wasn’t named the starter until a few days following the team’s second preseason matchup. For a quarterback who has only been on the roster for two months and still adjusting to a new scheme, he hasn’t played too badly.

The former Browns’ signal-caller’s flaws have shown through the first two games of the season. Keep in mind that even though Mayfield has his struggles, he is still the best quarterback this franchise has had since Cam Newton left – the first time – in 2019.

While this isn’t the entirety of what the Panthers’ offensive line was supposed to look like before the season, this is another group that is still trying to mesh together and develop. Ikem Ekwonu, the team’s first-round draft pick, has struggled in his first two games.

Not to worry, as this is what is to be expected early in his career. Ekwonu was and still is quite raw when it comes to his technique in pass sets. While some may argue for him to move inside to guard to help limit the mistakes, Ekwonu needs to be tossed into the fire and learn along the way.

He has shown encouraging flashes throughout the last two weeks. It would be wise to give Ekwonu the benefit of the doubt in 2022.

There’s been some lack of discipline from the offense. This, again, comes from early season rustiness and a group that is still meshing together overall. For example, slot receiver Shi Smith had a couple of crucial drops that could have led to big plays or touchdowns.

While the snap exchange issue from Week 1 was resolved, the offensive line still struggled with some communication against New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s aggressive and blitz-heavy defense. Once more, this could be signs of early seasons jitters or misdiagnosis of the defense from the center.

We’ll find out more this coming Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.