Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL Season Analysis

By Marco Antonio Legy Rodriguez (follow his project on Facebook: Direct Contact Sports).

The 2021 season of the Carolina Panthers is over, giving them once again, a compass without any direction. Between constant QB changes, injuries and questionable decision-making from HC Matt Rhule, the team finished bottom of its division with a 5-12 record.

What was positive about the Panthers in 2021?

The start of the season for Matt Rhule’s team looked quite promising, obtaining three wins in a row, showing the possible best version of QB Sam Darnold in his career, thanks to his constant scoring on the ground and added to that, being an offensive which was quite explosive with him at the helm.

The second skin marks the arrival on the team of CB All Pro, Stephon Gilmore. The veteran CB arrived with the message that the mentality in the Panthers franchise had changed and they were looking to return to the Playoffs. And although the move did not bear the expected results, the weight of a player like him choosing to play for the team showed good feelings for Carolina’s project.

What negative aspects did the Panthers have this year?

Although they managed to start the season with three wins in a row, the collapse of the season that followed was chaotic for the team, beating only two teams of the 14 that they had left in the season.

We can point to several factors about the collapse of the Panthers, but the one that stands out is the situation at QB this season. Although Darnold was chosen to be the future QB of this franchise, the poor performances of the QB and the injury he suffered during the season opened the door for Cam Newton to return to the franchise, thus having open competition for the Market Stall.

The bet did not work, being once again an uncompromising offense and one of the worst in the NFL, in addition to this, Newton was also benched on some occasions, being replaced by the third QB on the team, PJ Walker, increasing further the debacle in the position.

Finally, despite all the pieces that Rhule has brought via draft, free agency or trade, the defense did not perform as expected either. Allowing over 30 points in 6 games this season ranks among the worst in the league, which is unacceptable with the amount of talent at their disposal.

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What is expected in the 2022 season?

Matt Rhule’s job seems secure for another season, but one of his most questionable moves was firing OC Joe Brady after the bye week. The decisions Rhule makes, whether for his coaching staff or players, will mark the pattern in its continuity; The main decision being the continuity of Sam Darnold, with whom 18 million dollars are committed. In addition to this, the possibility of obtaining a Deshaun Watson continues to float.

Thinking about the next season, these are some of the areas that they will have to fill:

On the other hand, the talent on this team isn’t exactly an abundant resource; With star RB Christian McCaffrey constantly injured, wouldn’t it be better for the Panthers and running back McCaffrey to part ways?

Now it’s time to hear from him: Did the Panthers make the right decision by keeping Matt Rhule? Will Sam Darnold be the starting QB in 2022? What are the main areas of improvement in your opinion for this team? We read you as always in the comments.

Do not miss the analysis of the 2021 NFL Season of all the teams:

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cowboys bears Buccaneers 49ers
eagles Lions falcons Cardinals
giants packers panthers rams
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Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL Season Analysis