The 2023 Carolina Panthers season has been a challenging one, marked by struggles in both their ground and aerial attacks. The team found itself in the lower tier of the league statistics, amassing just 1,769 rushing yards and achieving an average of 4 yards per carry. One of the most telling aspects of their offensive woes was their league-low tally of seven rushing touchdowns. This starkly reflects the difficulties they've faced in finishing drives on the ground.
In the passing game, the Panthers’ shortcomings were equally glaring. They recorded a league-worst 3,245 passing yards, and their passing first-down percentage was at the bottom of the league at a mere 25.6%. They also tied for the second-fewest passing touchdowns with just 13, painting a bleak picture of their air game capabilities this season.
However, despite the lackluster performance on the offensive end, the Panthers did show some resilience defensively, finishing with the second-most sacks in the league at 65. This defensive prowess, though notable, wasn't enough to lift the overall team performance. Bryce Young, in his rookie season as the team's quarterback, finished with a disappointing 2-15 record. His struggle encapsulates the team's hardships over the past year.
These mounting issues are now the foremost challenge for rookie head coach Dave Canales. With a clear understanding of the team’s deficiencies, Canales has expressed optimism about the upcoming season, emphasizing the importance of a strong run game to turn their fortunes around. "That's what this draft and this offseason was all about. I feel confident that we'll be able to have a successful run game, which, for me, opens everything else up. It helps third down, it helps move the ball and give you more opportunities," he said. Canales believes that establishing a strong rushing foundation will be key to revitalizing the team's overall performance. "It all starts with the run game," he added.
The offseason saw some significant moves aimed at addressing these concerns. The Panthers drafted running back Jonathon Brooks, hopeful that his fresh legs will inject some much-needed energy and effectiveness into their ground attack. Additionally, the acquisition of guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis looks to fortify the offensive line, providing the necessary blocking to enable a stronger run game.
Last season, Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders bore the brunt of the rushing responsibilities. With the new additions and a focused strategy, there is a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding how these elements will coalesce on the field. The emphasis on rejuvenating the run game appears to be central to Canales' blueprint for the team’s comeback.
The transformation envisioned by Canales will also need Bryce Young to develop and adapt swiftly. His rookie season stats, coupled with the team's overall performance, indicate that he holds a crucial role in translating the new strategies into wins. It’s a period of transition and rebuilding, but with an actionable plan laid out by Canales, hope springs anew for Panthers fans.
As the new season approaches, the Panthers' faithful will be eager to see if these strategic changes and player acquisitions can indeed reverse the team's fortunes. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with a renewed focus on the foundational aspects of the game, the Panthers are looking to claw their way back to competitiveness.