6 burning questions Carolina Panthers fans have ahead of Week 7

Carolina Panthers gameplan at the Rams

Can you walk us through your thoughts on the game plan from Sunday? Like we’re 1-4, you got nothing to lose and you let P.J. Walker throw screens. I get he’s the 4th string QB but why not try to win this game? I can’t imagine they thought with that offensive gameplan they would win. – Malte

Thank you for your question, Malte.

Yeah, let’s just say the game plan for Sunday was confusing.

During the first couple of offensive drives, the game plan looked simple: a downhill running game with a rotation of Christian McCaffrey, D’Onta Foreman, and Chuba Hubbard that featured quick screens, slants, hitches, and curls. This seemed to be a way of trying to get the vertical game going while keeping defenders honest underneath.

That didn’t work out as hoped. Sure, McCaffrey was the engine of the offense with 158 yards from scrimmage. He doesn’t have to be, though. Ben McAdoo’s plan was awful and has been lackluster all season.

This is not an offense capable of winning games. It’s also holding back the talent they have at the skill positions.

I would’ve liked to have seen more vertical shots because P.J. Walker certainly had the arm to get the ball downfield with ease. However, I think this game became a prime example that the Carolina Panthers simply don’t trust the former Temple product.

On just five pass attempts, practice squad quarterback and backup Jacob Eason (68 passing yards) nearly matched Walker’s yardage total (69 yards). If Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold is not ready to play, Steve Wilks could resort to Eason against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this coming Sunday, their fourth starting quarterback this season.

There is a lot wrong with this offense. Players are frustrated with the struggles in the passing game and it feels like it won’t be fixed anytime soon. Would fans be in favor of a Wing-T, triple-option offense going forward?