The Panthers came into this season as the biggest question mark in the NFL. They had a new QB, a very young wide receiving core, and no more Julius Peppers on defensive end. Everyone was giving their input and their predictions on this unusual team. Now, as we are more than half way through the season, those questions have been answered: the Panthers are the worst team in the NFL.
Matt Moore, the expected starter at the quarterback position, has been the biggest disappointment. He played brilliantly in his four appearances last season, something that fans were hoping would continue for years to come. Unfortunately, he has twice as many interceptions(10) as he does touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 55.6. Needless to say, his career as a starter with the Panthers is more than likely over. The era of Jimmy Clausen, the Panthers second round QB pick, has gotten an early start.
The wide receivers have been horrible. Steve Smith, arguably the Panthers best player on the offensive side, has not had any success with the two new QBs. "Double Trouble"-Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart-have also played poorly. This running tandem posted record highs in yards last season, but once again this also has not carried through. Williams is out for the season with a foot injury and Stewart has also struggled with injuries. All of these issues will have to be fixed in the future as the Panthers are the worst rated offense in yards per game.
The defense has been better then expected, which is somewhat shocking, but still not as good as it was with Julius Peppers. The D-line has been continuously pushed around by offenses from around the league and the secondary has not lived up to expectations. They too have had injury problems, but they still need to work on things. They are twenty-fifth in running yards allowed per game and tied for seventh fewest yards allowed in passing. Although the passing defense statistic is impressive, it is large in part that most teams run against the Panthers throughout the game. The defense will also have to improve if they want to have a chance in the playoffs in the seasons to come.
The Panthers season can easily be said as inefficient and undaunting. Both sides of the ball must look towards the future for any success. Hopefully, the coaching staff will be let go after this season and the much anticipated arrival of former Super Bowl coach Bill Cowher will take place immediately. I hate to say, but even a new coach of Bill Cowher's capabilities will not be able to change the Panthers immediately. A team as bad as Carolina will take years to improve and lots of changes, which I do not see happening under the current general manager and coaching staff. Sorry Panther fans, but we will just have to wait.
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