What embarrassing statistics are holding the Carolina Panthers back through the opening six weeks of the 2022 season?
It’s been a complete disaster from start to finish for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. Any optimism that surrounded this franchise during the summer has completely evaporated, leaving fans already looking forward to the offseason and the prospect of getting the No. 1 overall selection if things continue trending on a downward curve.
That’s a sorry state of affairs just six weeks into the season. But that’s where the Panthers are at, unfortunately.
Matt Rhule is no longer part of the equation, but the former head coach has left behind an ungodly mess that might take years to resolve. Interim appointment Steve Wilks will attempt to steady the ship short-term, with those in power also looking to formulate a long-term solution in the hope they can become an attractive destination for head coaching candidates in 2023.
With that being said, here are four embarrassing statistics that are clearly holding the Panthers back this season.
Statistic No. 1
Carolina Panthers opponent plays per game
- 67.0 (30th overall)
Generating any sort of momentum on offense has been a difficult proposition for the Carolina Panthers. The change in offensive coordinators did nothing to stop the rot and if anything, things have gotten much worse and the ripple effect is there for all to see.
Opponents are averaging 67 plays per game against the Panthers, which isn’t exactly a recipe for success. This ranks No. 30 league-wide with only the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans allowing more.
Not only does this portray a lack of offensive efficiency. But it also makes things extremely difficult for the defense, which has done well in the circumstances.
Carolina Panthers 3rd down conversion percentage
- 23.61 percent (32nd)
Not converting third downs has been a complication for the Carolina Panthers throughout Matt Rhule’s time with the organization. The constant churning of quarterbacks and almost no effective offensive system is a microcosm of how things unfolded under the former Baylor man, who now looks set for a switch back to the college ranks with a handsome payoff from team owner David Tepper.
The Panthers are converting just 23.61 percent of their third downs in 2022, which is laughable. This a strong indicator that Ben McAdoo‘s time with the organization will soon come to an end either in-season or almost immediately after the campaign comes to a conclusion.
This topic was brought up by interim head coach Steve Wilks in his recent press availability. The respected figure indicated this has been Carolina’s nemesis and something they must get right in pursuit of turning their fortunes around.
"“What happened in the second half is that we did not convert on third down, nor did we get off the field so the time of possession got lopsided there. Again, our nemesis has been third down and our goal this week is to correct that.”"
With Baker Mayfield failing to meet expectations and Sam Darnold missing time through injury, P.J. Walker is set to start once again in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not exactly the biggest boost considering how little confidence there appeared in the signal-caller from coaches at the Los Angeles Rams.
Carolina Panthers’ red-zone TD percentage
- 38.46 percent (30th)
Ben McAdoo is a man under significant pressure. The offensive coordinator’s initial appointment was met with a mixed response in the offseason and he’s done nothing to suggest this was the right call from Matt Rhule over the first six weeks.
The Carolina Panthers are failing their skill position players. McAdoo’s scheme is outdated, uninspiring, and incapable of making waves in the modern-day NFL, which is further reflected in their 38.46 percent red-zone touchdown conversion percentage.
Only the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos boast a worse conversion rate. Things are bad enough within the Panthers right now without McAdoo becoming unwilling to adapt a system that was deemed complicated before the campaign for some unbeknown reason.
As stated previously, Carolina has the personnel to perform far better. They also have a productive offensive line that’s become one of the league’s more dependable units after a strong offseason of recruitment and James Campen getting them all singing from the same hymn sheet.
Just how much Steve Wilks can impact the offense with such an impressive defensive background is anyone’s guess. However, if the former Arizona Cardinals head coach wants to be considered for the job beyond 2022, he’ll stamp his authority over McAdoo and increase the sense of urgency once and for all.
Carolina Panthers’ total yards per game
- 260.0 (32nd)
The complete dysfunction on offense is even more disappointing when one considers that special teams and the defense have been playing solid overall. But given the nature of how things are trending around the NFL, failing to generate yards is the primary reason why the Carolina Panthers are among the basement dwellers once again.
Ben McAdoo’s scheme is an abomination and the players are not executing effectively. Carolina ranks No. 32 league-wide with just 260 yards per game, which is 18.2 yards behind the Tennessee Titans at No. 31.
There is no balance within the system. Christian McCaffrey’s usage has been criticized on occasion and the distinct lack of opportunities for star wide receiver D.J. Moore is another major question mark that McAdoo cannot seem to solve.
Obviously, the quarterback conundrum isn’t helping. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold just haven’t worked out and rookie Matt Corral’s chances of staking a claim were dealt a body blow with a serious foot injury during the preseason, which means he might never get a true chance to become Carolina’s long-term option under center.
If the Panthers have a shot at drafting Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud, they shouldn’t hesitate. And if the offense continues performing to this current level, that’s almost a guarantee given how tough things are from a schedule standpoint moving forward.