Three Critical Issues the Carolina Panthers Must Address During Their 2024 Bye Week
While the Carolina Panthers have shown some signs of improvement, there are still significant issues to address. After a dismal 1-7 start to the season, the Panthers managed to secure two quick wins, offering a glimmer of hope as they head into their bye week. However, the upcoming schedule looks daunting, with games against the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles on the horizon. For Carolina to maintain any momentum, they need to make key adjustments during the break.
Head coach Dave Canales is focused on using the time off to reflect and strategize. While the recent wins against the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants were encouraging, the challenges ahead will test the team’s resilience. If the Panthers are to continue their mini-resurgence, they must address these three critical flaws that have contributed to their early-season struggles.
1. Third-Down Defense
One of the Panthers’ most significant defensive weaknesses has been their performance on third down. Despite some defensive improvements in recent weeks, Carolina continues to struggle with getting off the field in third-down situations. They are allowing an NFL-worst 48.12% conversion rate, a stark contrast to the league-leading Detroit Lions, who limit third downs to just 31.37%. This issue is compounded by the Panthers’ reliance on Cover 3, a scheme that requires a strong pass rush—something the Panthers have yet to establish consistently. With the return of edge rusher D.J. Wonnum, there’s hope that this could improve, but the defense must find more effective ways to get stops on third down if they are to compete with tougher opponents.
2. Run Defense
Carolina’s inability to stop the run has been another major issue, and it has been particularly evident in recent weeks. Although the Panthers have made some adjustments, they are still allowing an alarming 155.3 rushing yards per game over their last three outings. Overall, they rank dead last in run defense, giving up 160.1 yards per game on the ground for the season. The loss of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown and linebacker Shaq Thompson to season-ending injuries has only exacerbated the issue. Despite bringing in players with solid run-stopping credentials, the Panthers have failed to fill the void left by these key injuries. The bye week gives defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero an opportunity to reassess the run defense and find ways to improve, but it will be a tough task with the personnel currently available.
3. Offensive Strategy
Offensively, Canales’ vision for the Panthers has been a work in progress. While his approach is forward-thinking, it has not always translated into effective game plans on the field. The team’s play-calling has at times been overly rigid, with Canales sticking to a pre-determined strategy even when circumstances on the field call for adjustments. The Panthers’ intended focus on the running game has been stifled by playing from behind in many of their losses. Additionally, there has been a lack of confidence in rookie quarterback Bryce Young, who, despite showing signs of growth, has not been given full control of the offense. Canales must find a balance between his original game plan and the flexibility to make in-game adjustments, especially as he continues to develop his young quarterback. The bye week provides an opportunity to reassess and refine the offensive strategy, potentially opening up the playbook and adapting more to game situations.
The Carolina Panthers are at a crossroads as they enter the bye week. While the team has shown some promise in recent weeks, addressing these three fatal flaws—third-down defense, run defense, and offensive strategy—will be crucial for any chance of sustained success in the second half of the season. If Dave Canales and his coaching staff can make the necessary adjustments, the Panthers may be able to turn their season around and build momentum for the future.
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