6 burning questions Carolina Panthers fans are asking ahead of Week 5

Carolina Panthers’ offensive identity

What identity do we have on offense? – Cliff Shephard

Great question from Cliff! Thank you!

It’s hard to tell based on the struggles of the passing game and lack of success on early downs. However, this is where I’m at in terms of an offensive identity. It looks to be a downhill rushing attack that implements a passing scheme that attacks the intermediate and deep portions of the field.

This is based on what I’ve seen on film and on gameday. I like the idea of this type of offense, especially in the passing game when you have receivers such as D.J. Moore, Robbie Anderson, and now Laviksa Sheanult Jr. who can create big plays downfield.

Want to work underneath? You have Christian McCaffrey out of the backfield and slot receiver Shi Smith.

Now, of course, we haven’t been able to see this work in its entirety. There are serious concerns that I have as it pertains to the lack of creativity and manufacturing touches for the playmakers that the Carolina Panthers possess.

Right now, I’m not a fan of how this is working at the moment. It certainly looks to be a Ben McAdoo issue more than anything.

There are things to be optimistic about with this offense. The offensive line has improved tremendously from last year in both the run and passing games. The trenches are rock solid, which we’ve seen through the last four games and McCaffrey has been playing well despite some small nagging injuries.

If the Panthers want to display the offensive identity at full strength, quarterback Baker Mayfield needs to get better and the continuity between the signal-caller and his receivers must improve. Having more success on early and third downs can help sustain drives and put points on the board.

That could be tough with the San Fransico 49ers’ top-ranked defense coming to town this Sunday.