4 burning questions Carolina Panthers fans are asking ahead of Week 4
Ben McAdoo’s inconsistencies as Carolina Panthers OC
Why Ben McAdoo does not exploit the full range of possibilities with more player rotation? – Rueben Quiroz
Thank you for your question, Rueben! I think it’s best we address Ben McAdoo‘s issues as an offensive coordinator so far through the first three games of the regular season. The former New York Giants head coach has an offense that in most categories ranks in the bottom fourth of the league, especially in the passing game.
Football analysts have grilled McAdoo for his predictable and vanilla offensive scheme. There are stagnant, stationary routes, lack of spacing, and mirroring concepts that have led to an underwhelming passing attack that has a decent amount of talent at the skill positions.
One of the most baffling misuses of players on this offense is Christian McCaffrey. Through the first three games, his splits go as follows: 138 backfield snaps, 1 slot left, 5 slot right, and 1 wide left. For a running back who’s well-known for his impact as a pass catcher, his lack of opportunities is baffling.
On the bright side, McCaffrey has now rushed for 100 or more yards in two consecutive games and is now tied for fourth in rushing yards with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. The run game has not been worrisome in the slightest.
There seems to be a vertical attack philosophy with McAdoo’s offense. While this may seem like a good thing, the lack of underneath routes to allow for check-down outlets is also bemusing.
The only thing close to a check-down in some of these concepts has been flare-outs to the left or right by the running back. This is not going to cut it, in my opinion.
There needs to be more creative play-calling with the weapons Carolina has. I would like to see more usage of the Texas concept and option routes to get McCaffrey one-on-one with opposing linebackers. Levels concept out of spread or bunch sets would allow for more separation and spacing for receivers at all three levels of the field.
As for the lack of player rotations at wide receiver and running back, this comes down to the lack of early down success, which puts the Panthers in third and long situations consistently.
It’s not ideal in any sense. However, some factors to less can be pointed at a few things: inconsistent play from the quarterback, lack of chemistry between the wide receivers and Baker Mayfield, and almost no early down creativity to allow for better opportunities.
We saw this past week the use of reverses, screens, and manufactured plays to get McAdoo’s playmakers open and in space for run-after-catch chances. After Laviska Sheanult Jr.’s coming-out party on Sunday, we could see more of him on the field thanks to his athleticism and versatile skill set.
As I mentioned in the previous slide, it takes time for offenses to get going, especially if it’s a new coordinator with a different scheme and play-call language. Maybe we will see more creativity with D.J. Moore, McCaffrey, Sheanult, and Robbie Anderson going forward.
At this point, it’s “hurry up and wait”.