Lea: Panthers offensive problems go beyond O-line, Darnold
Posted October 14, 2021
If you follow the media members that cover the Carolina Panthers, you may have the recent talk about wide receiver Robby Anderson being 'frustrated', especially after this past Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Anderson amassed over 1000 yards last year in his first season with the Panthers which was the first time he surpassed 1000 yards in a season in his career. At times it looked like Anderson could be a legit number one receiver for the Carolina Panthers, or at least 1B to DJ Moore's 1A.
So far this season, Anderson only has 12 receptions for 179 yards through five games, which doesn't put him on pace for another 1000 yard season. He's had his share of drops this season, but it also seems like he's not getting the amount of targets that he got last year with Teddy Bridgewater. Head coach Matt Rhule confirmed earlier this week that Anderson was upset with the way he was used in the last couple of games and that Cowboys and Eagles defenders were able to recognize formations and play calls, sitting on routes. Anderson wanted to run more double moves, using his speed and shiftiness to get himself open.
That makes sense.
Certainly Robby could play better than he has, but if we take his complaint seriously, it's obvious that play calling isn't where it needs to be for the Panthers offense.
No, the offensive line is not good. No, Sam Darnold is not an elite quarterback. And yes, he has turned the ball over five times in the last six quarters. We shouldn't ignore the fact that Christian McCaffrey has not played the last two games also.
But after we get past these issues, we come back to play calling.
Right now the Panthers are the worst team in league when it comes to scoring in the 3rd quarter at 1.4 points per game in the period after the half. That's actually worse than last year when the team famously came out flat week-after-week, averaging 3.6 points per game in the 3rd. Last year is not an aberration since the trend is continuing in 2021 five games into the season.
These 3rd quarter numbers and Robby Anderson's complaint has one common denominator: Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady.
He's clearly not calling a game plan sans McCaffrey that's keeping defenses on their toes. Plus, if defenders are figuring out plays by the second half and those plays continue to be called, Brady is not making any adjustments in game - or at least not enough noticeable adjustments.
Brady is considered one of the young hot-shot future head coaching candidates in the NFL. However, he's not doing himself any favors with the way he's been calling games and becoming predictable in his play calling. There are plenty of things for the Panthers to fix for them to become a dominant offense which may not come to fruition this season. Brady can get a head start on the team getting better by looking in the mirror.
Fix the play calling. Fix the pass protection. Fix the third quarter disappearing acts. Get Robby Anderson, Tommy Tremble and Terrace Marshall more involved.