4 huge disappointments from the Panthers win vs. Saints in Week 3
By Preston Seyl
Carolina Panthers 3rd down offense was atrocious
The third-down offense has been a complete nightmare for the Carolina Panthers. Something that continued in Week 3 with a final 4-for-14 statistic, which is nothing short of putrid.
Carolina’s offense under Ben McAdoo continues to stall and go three and out time and time again. The offensive coordinator has a lot of work to do for this offense to be somewhat competent for the remainder of the year.
The play calling on third down from McAdoo lacks creativity and has become very predictable based on his tendencies that the defense has already jumped on after just three weeks. The Panthers have to start putting together 10-15 play drives, sustaining momentum, and controlling the ball.
Carolina has lost the time of possession battle two out of the three games by a considerable margin. This puts a lot of pressure on the defense to make plays and create touchdowns, which they thankfully managed to accomplish versus the New Orleans Saints.
Unless the offense starts capitalizing on third down and red zone opportunities, Carolina will only get so far. Baker Mayfield is taking plenty of heat, but there are other factors involved and it won’t be much longer before McAdoo’s play-calling becomes the scapegoat.