NFL Offseason Fixer-Uppers: Three Ways to Fix Panthers in 2023
Analysis 3/2/23
In an ongoing offseason series, experts from The 33rd Team offer three things each team can do to improve in 2023.Â
AFC: BAL | BUF | CINÂ |Â CLE | HOU | INDÂ | JAX | KC | LAC | LV | MIAÂ |Â NEÂ |Â NYJÂ |Â PIT |Â TEN
NFC: ATL |Â DAL |Â DET | GB | LAR |Â MIN | NYG | PHI | SEA | SF | TB
The Carolina Panthers started 1-4 under Matt Rhule, then went 6-6 with interim coach Steve Wilks, which kept them in playoff contention. The Panthers settled down and played consistently on defense after the coaching change, and were more productive on offense. Here are three things Carolina can do to improve in 2023.
3 Ways to Fix Panthers
1. Bring in Veteran Quarterback
The Panthers' main issue comes back to what we discuss with many teams — the quarterback. New coach Frank Reich was criticized for the Indianapolis Colts' quarterback situation, but I think that's the No. 1 thing he must get settled. Reich hired Thomas Brown from the Los Angeles Rams as offensive coordinator, and they met with Derek Carr at the NFL Combine. I think Carr is one of the guys in their sights, and I think Carr has the stature Reich likes at quarterback.
There is speculation the Panthers will trade up from the ninth pick to No. 1 because the Chicago Bears have committed to Justin Fields. You have these quarterbacks in the draft: Bryce Young (scouting report), C.J. Stroud (scouting report) and Anthony Richardson (scouting report). They'll do their homework and due diligence on the quarterbacks in the draft while talking with a veteran quarterback. - Marvin Lewis
>> READ: Is Carr Answer for QB Needy Teams?
They went through three quarterbacks last year, Phillip Walker, Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. It's the old adage "if you've got three, you don't have one." Reich will do a good job with the quarterbacks. Instead of moving up to No. 1, they're probably better off getting a veteran quarterback and surrounding him with the right guys.
There's so much that goes into picking the right quarterback. How does a guy interact in the locker room with his teammates? How does he handle adversity? How does he take coaching? There are so many different things that go on at all positions, but especially that position. - Mike Zimmer
2. Draft Roster Depth
They drafted offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu, and defensive end Brian Burns had 12.5 sacks last year. They've had some draft picks produce well. If the Panthers can get a veteran quarterback, they can use their picks to get a playmaker at wide receiver, continue to build the offensive line and put some guys on defense.
3. Improve Man-to-Man Defense
The Panthers were a pretty good zone team on defense, but they struggled with man coverage. They have some good players to work with, and former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is now running Carolina's defense. Can he replicate what the Broncos did on defense? The Panthers have a lot of challenges ahead. - Marvin Lewis
Carolina has Jim Caldwell as its senior assistant on offense and Dom Capers on defense. There is extensive coaching experience in that building. It'll be interesting, but I think the Panthers have an opportunity to make a splash. They improved on defense as the year went on, playing much more technically sound. Their defensive fronts will change slightly with Evero. - Mike Zimmer
Mike Zimmer is a former NFL Head Coach with the Minnesota Vikings. He also served as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys with whom he won Super Bowl XXX, he also coached the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals.
Marvin Lewis is a former NFL Head Coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. Lewis won AP Coach of the Year in 2009 and is a Super Bowl champion as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Follow him on Twitter at @MarvinLewis.