Carolina Panthers backroom seen as potential surprise package

Dave Canales’ offensive intentions are clear. He wants the Carolina Panthers to be a physical, aggressive operation that relies heavily on the running game to set the tone. This highlights the strengths of his offensive linemen and should make things easier for quarterback Bryce Young in his critical sophomore season.

It wasn’t just a catchy phrase. This is something Canales truly believes can bring the Panthers back to prominence. Those in power also strengthened the unit this offseason to give more weight to the head coach’s claims.

The Panthers traded up in the second round to take Jonathon Brooks 46th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. They chose to give Miles Sanders a reprieve after a disappointing first season with the franchise. Raheem Blackshear has re-signed to a one-year deal. Canales also signed someone he knows well, veteran Rashaad Penny, who will fight for his spot on the 53-man roster throughout the summer.

Hopes are high for this group heading into the 2024 season. Although Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus only placed them at 27th in his league-wide rankings, the analyst estimated that They would become a potential surprise if Brooks fully recovers from the torn ACL he suffered during his final college campaign at Texas. .

“Chuba Hubbard ranked 18th in PFF wins above average last season (0.18), and the (Carolina) Panthers also drafted who I believe is the best back in the draft the 2024 NFL to Jonathon Brooks, who had an elite 92.0 rushing grade last season “If Brooks can progress nicely and confidently after his ACL tear in November, he has a chance. a good sneaky group with an improved offensive line in front of them. “

– Trevor Sikkema, PFF

We haven’t talked about Chuba Hubbard yet, but his role might be the most important of all.

The former fourth-round pick has progressed well each season he has been in the league. Hubbard looked like someone who could handle returning responsibilities last time around. Brooks’ arrival, coupled with the added incentive of a contract year, should be enough to maintain the positive momentum around the Oklahoma State product.

The more reliable Canales’ running back options are, the better. He will be stubborn to establish the race. The Panthers also have two formidable bodies ready to create strong lanes after spending big on Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt to become their new starting offensive guard tandem in free agency. These improved concepts will also help Ikem Ekwonu bounce back from a lackluster 2023 campaign.

It sounds good on paper. However, proving it when the regular season arrives is the only way to instill confidence in a fan base that has been burned by false projections and wild offseason predictions under previous regimes.

Canales has more sense in the way he conducts his business. But seeing is believing.

If his big plans come to fruition, running backs will benefit more than most. How the unit’s dynamics evolve as the campaign progresses – particularly when Brooks gets the green light to participate – is another matter.