4 things Panthers fans can look forward to after the 2022 bye week

Enhancing identity on offense

It’s been another hugely disappointing season from an offensive standpoint. The Carolina Panthers swung for the fences once again with their trade for Baker Mayfield, but the quarterback was unable to overcome a difficult situation and could find himself at No. 3 on the depth chart if P.J. Walker recovers from his ankle complication after the bye.

Finding an identity on offense coupled with a series of flawed moves under center played a leading role in Matt Rhule’s eventual demise. It’s been a slow burn, but Steve Wilks is finally starting to conjure up a scheme with Ben McAdoo that plays to this team’s strengths.

Perhaps last weekend’s game against the Denver Broncos will be the catalyst for bigger things moving forward. Carolina relied on the running game heavily and Sam Darnold‘s efficient contribution on his first start was another encouraging element to take from what turned out to be a convincing victory.

Darnold will get another shot in Week 14 at the Seattle Seahawks, which could be a much sterner test. But with D’Onta Foreman running the football better than he’s ever done, this is a solid foundation from which to build providing the former USC star doesn’t overcomplicate matters.

Watching how this offense enhances their identity behind a tremendous offensive line is something to excite fans. And it’s been a long time since that word was associated with Carolina’s offense under McAdoo.