Aside from one strong quarter led by Taylor Heinicke, the Panthers offense has not inspired much confidence this preseason. Carolina is only averaging 10 points per game going into tonight’s preseason finale against the Steelers.
Panthers fans who are anxious about the state of the offense should try to keep perspective. For one, preseason game plans are usually vanilla by design and OC Norv Turner is obviously pulling his punches. Also, the starters have barely played, so what you’re seeing on the field and reading in the box scores isn’t a true reflection of the offense’s potential.
Tight end Greg Olsen says everybody needs to relax.
The preseason is indeed what it is and it’s mercifully almost over.
As for Olsen’s projections, it sounds like he’s not expecting to get back to the level he was from 2014-2016 when he posted over 1,000 receiving yards each season.
That may be a good thing, though. Olsen says the team has more weapons now and can spread the ball around.
This is true.
Newton may not have a legend like Steve Smith to throw to, but he does have a lot of quality weapons. Superstar running back Christian McCaffrey will be his top target and he’s the best pass-catching running back in a league that is overflowing with them.
At wide receiver, Newton has two potential No. 1 options in Curtis Samuel and D.J. Moore. He also has more talent at that position than ever before. Jarius Wright, Torrey Smith and Chris Hogan give him a legitimate five-deep receiver corps.
Then there’s Olsen, who hasn’t been healthy the last two years. He probably won’t post anywhere near 1,000 yards. The Panthers don’t need him to anymore, though. If he plays a full healthy season Newton won’t be able to say he didn’t have weapons.
Whether he’ll have an offensive line is another matter.
