Panthers' disappointing preseason results should trigger a change in approach

Yahoo

2 days ago

With the NFL's regular season nearing closer, excitement, optimism and hope are flowing through the veins of fanbases across the sport. But when it comes to the Carolina Panthers faithful, all of those feelings may be a bit cautious—particularly after their latest exhibition offering.
Saturday's preseason contest against the Houston Texans was quickly soured by the starting offense, which totaled all of three net yards over two painfully stagnant possessions. Between that eventual 20-3 loss and their previous one, a 30-10 defeat to the Cleveland Browns, the Panthers amassed all of 13 points and just one touchdown while three of the first team's four total drives ended after just three plays.
Both outings have reminded fans of last summer, when the offense appeared rather vanilla. The defense hasn't exactly helped either, as the unit still shows a lack of depth up and down the depth chart.
The responsibility rests with head coach Dave Canales and his staff. For the second consecutive year, the team has failed to strike an early rhythm—and the approach from the sideline has been thrown into question yet again.
Many, like in 2024, thought the starters should've received more reps to ignite some momentum. That, however, wasn't much of a concern for Canales—who believes the group got an adequate amount of work in during their joint practice with Houston last Thursday.
In fairness, the Panthers haven't been the only team to exercise this preseason strategy. You get the starters a couple of drives, give the assistant coaches an opportunity to call plays and simplify the playbook to its basics.
But that process is more fitting for established contenders, not for these Panthers.
The lack of execution and questionable play-calling concepts, specifically on offense, haven't done much for the greater good. Carolina, as a growing squad, must use this time to continue figuring out who they are rather than going through the motions.
Although Canales and his staff are also learning and growing—the fans, especially these ones, deserve to see a better product and a better approach to the summer. (After all, they won't be allowed to regularly see their team practice until 2027.)
In the end, or at least in a few weeks' time, this point could all be moot. Perhaps the disappointing results thus far won't mean anything, as is the case with much of every preseason.
If history, however, is any indicator, then Week 1 of 2025 in Jacksonville may look like Week 1 of 2024 in New Orleans.This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers' bland preseason approach still leaves fans yearning for hope