3 keys to success for the Carolina Panthers vs. Saints in Week 3

Carolina Panthers must convert more third downs

During the Matt Rhule era, the Carolina Panthers have struggled on third down and finishing their offensive drives with touchdowns. This is due to play calling, execution by the team, or simply being unprepared in certain situations.

No matter what is to blame for their third-down woes, for Rhule’s sake the team needs to convert these opportunities and start punching it in the end zone rather than settling for field goals.

As mentioned previously, the inability to convert on third down isn’t a new occurrence in 2022. According to ESPN.com, in 2021 the Panthers finished 29th in the NFL in third down conversion rate. So far this season, Carolina is 6-from-23 – a 26 percent success rate, which is far from ideal.

Most recently against the New York Giants, the Panthers were 2-from-12 on third down. This is a huge part of why they fell to a ninth-straight loss.

For the Panthers’ offense to be competitive, they must be more efficient on third down and find a more productive way to sustain drives at a higher rate than they have the last two seasons. If the team converts at a higher rate in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints, the outcome may be in their favor.

It’s a big ask. But something has to improve at some stage, right?