Apple released the iPhone 14 this weekend without much excitement and hype around it. The phone will sell, but it’s more or less out of habit than it is about craving for the newest model. Why? Because there’s nothing new and novel about the device. Apple ‘redesigned’ the 14 to the new design of the old design, of the same design of the old design, only to circle back and get elements of the same design as before. For all the hype of the new features, it seems as if the only thing new on these series of iPhones is the resolution of the camera.
For the Carolina Panthers, the only thing that’s changed about the team is that the struggles on offense can be seen in 4k resolution. During the offseason, the Panthers’ front office redesigned the team. There were eight upgrades in coaching, only to put out the same model. The same design of ineptitude.
In a reprise of many games last season, the defense showed up and kept the Panthers within striking distance of a win. The offense’s early struggles were hard to overcome. Here are observations from the Panthers’ 16-19 loss to the New York Giants.
3rd Down Woes
Carolina struggled on third down against the Giants. The offense finished 2-for-12 on the afternoon. The Giants’ defense had its share of influence, but the Panthers’ decision-making must be addressed. Early in the first quarter before a fumble, the call from offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo was a short pass on third and long. Just like last week against Cleveland, the Panthers elected to run a screen pass to Robbie Anderson on third. Why not run go routes and posts in third and long situations? Why are they insisting on turning two yards into a 10-yard gain when you can take chances downfield? If not a go route, what’s wrong with a five-yard post? Check-downs and screen passes should open drives; not close them.
A Slanted Point Of View
For whatever reason, Baker Mayfield was forcing the slanted pass. Every time the Panthers ran slants, the passes ended up deflected or under thrown. I get that short slants are a part of whatever this offense is, but why force the issue when it’s not working? Speaking of forcing the issue, Panthers Head Coach Matt Rhule essentially doubled down on sticking to his approach and game plan during his post game press conference.
“We’re at the point right now, we don’t need to change,” he said. “We need to push through and battle through.” This approach is why the Panthers are where they are early in the season. It’s fine to admit an approach isn’t working. It’s by far better to fix a problem instead of paying lip service to it.
17 Points At Least
The Panthers are 1-24 under Rhule when the opponent scores at least 17 points. The inability to win close games is one of the main reasons why this team hasn’t won a game since November 21, 2021. On the other hand, staying out of close game situations should be the focus and idea. While Rhule seems to believe the team only needs to push through, linebacker Brian Burns is frustrated with coming up short.
“Almost doesn’t matter, but it’s better than not being in the game at all. I’m tired of being close. I want to win those extra reps and really win these games,” he said.
The Panthers will once again have another chance to bounce back Sunday when they host the visiting New Orleans Saints.