The Carolina Panthers are brimming with confidence. They caught the NFL's attention with a dominant showing against the Atlanta Falcons, but some potential flaws could still hold them back.
Head coach Dave Canales won't miss it. The Panthers are on the right track, but it's still early. They still have kinks to work out, and their heroics in Atlanta will mean nothing if they cannot stack complete displays.
Time is on Carolina's side. They also have an early bye week to take stock, which is something else working in their favor.
Canales and his staff always know how things stand and what more might be required. There have been more positives than negatives so far, but the Panthers are far from the finished article.
With this in mind, here are three lingering Panthers flaws that could stall their early-season momentum if they aren't rectified.
Lingering Carolina Panthers flaws that could halt their early-season momentum
Punt returner
The Panthers have a revolving door at kick returner. It was hoped that Jimmy Horn Jr. would make the job his, but he was waived after one error-prone contest, and he now plays for the Cleveland Browns. John Metchie III got a look in Week 2, and Carolina also experimented with Jalen Coker on special teams to provide a boost.
Considering how important Coker is to the Panthers' offensive plans, this cannot continue. Carolina signed Ihmir Smith-Marsette this week, who has return-game experience. Anthony Tyus will be called up off the practice squad in Week 3, and he might also get involved.
Things could stabilize when Trevor Etienne returns from injured reserve, but the Panthers cannot afford to keep changing their plans if they want good field position when things get more intense.
Offensive tackle changes
The Panthers don't yet have either Taylor Moton or Ikem Ekwonu available. They were Carolina's starting offensive tackle tandem last year, so there will always be a transitional period with two new edge protectors.
Monroe Freeling is at right tackle. Carolina's first-round pick has had some nice moments, but his pass protection still needs work. This shouldn't shock anyone, but the Georgia product has a lot of growing to do before he becomes the finished article.
Left tackle Rasheed Walker is more experienced. He was signed as a short-term stopgap, but he's been a little slow out of his stance so far. It's nothing to overly alarm, even if it may prove complicated against more formidable pass-rushers as we go further.
There is no telling when Moton or Ekwonu will get back. The Panthers will keep riding with Freeling and Walker, and there is hope they can grow as a tandem.
Panthers run game
Jonathon Brooks didn't look explosive over the first two games. Fans quickly found out why, as the third-year running back once again went to injured reserve after surgery for a core muscle issue.
This was a brutal blow for Brooks and the Panthers. Given how they have struggled to get much going on the ground so far, it'll be interesting to see how the dynamic shakes out.
Chuba Hubbard will lead the charge, but he cannot do it alone. AJ Dillon will get more involved, and he has solid previous production to draw on. The cupboard is relatively bare aside from that, with Austin Ekeler not being signed despite a positive workout this week.
Standing pat without Brooks is a gamble. But the offensive line must also do its part to plow the road and make things easier for those in the backfield.
Add us as a preferred source on Google