Carolina Panthers can’t beat themselves early
The Carolina Panthers got off to a terrible start in Week 2 against the New York Giants due to the fumble on the opening kickoff return from second-year player Chuba Hubbard. To make things worse, their first offensive drive ended with Robbie Anderson coughing it up for another turnover.
Somehow, those two mistakes only cost the Panthers six points with an opportunity to stay in the game. Against some of the NFL’s better teams, it could have potentially been an uphill battle of 14-0.
The Panthers also had an easy drop on third down from Shi Smith that would have moved the chains and most likely ended the drive with a touchdown. Instead, the possession ended with a field goal from Eddie Pineiro.
Another way that the Panthers can avoid beating themselves is to not overthink things on the offensive end. Get the football to your two best players early and often – Christian McCaffrey and DJ Moore.
McCaffrey received more touches in Week 2 than the unacceptable amount he was allocated in Week 1. But that’s still not enough.
He’s the kind of player that can wreck a game if provided enough opportunities as McCaffrey will eventually break out for a long run at least once. This was evident at MetLife Stadium with a 49-yard charge that sparked the offense.
Moore is also not receiving enough touches. He can change a game through the pass or if he takes a handoff or reverse. Ben McAdoo should make it a priority to get him the ball as he’s too explosive to not be given opportunities.
If the Panthers can correct some of these routine mistakes, it could change the entire flow of the game. It would also improve Carolina’s chances of getting into the win column for the first time in more than a year at home.