What are some key things that need to happen for the Panthers to return to the playoffs next year?

[WildCats]

This year is also going to need to see an improvement from shula. In my opinion I believe that's what's either going to make us or break us.

[Zod]

We need to field a team as good as last year's. We're not there yet but can be.

Simple as that.

We need a team better than last year. We had a ton of lucky bounces and good fortune. I don't see us getting that two years in a row.

Sent from the Carolina Huddle App

[SauceBoss]

PLAY-AUFFS!?!?

[Lumps]

The defense will be fine.

 

Oline is biggest issue, and a strong running game is a must. Those go hand in hand and will make or break this year. Aside from that receivers must be consistent but I don't think it will be an issue if the oline can give Cam time.

 

 

[Luke59foLife]

Hitting the first four rounds of the draft out of the freaking park! Otherwise I am not optimistic and will have to settle for the thought that we're rebuilding.

[General_Purr]

staying in close games.. Like the patriots last year great example. It was a rare sight to see us return fire with TDs and make clutch plays when needed.

The mindset man... I dont know the toll of losing Gross & Smith just yet.. but they had a passionate impact on the team and when a team is mentally together its a bitch to beat them.

[iamhubby1]

We will go only as far as our Oline and Shula will take us.

When Shula was creative on 1st down, we were a top 10 Offense. We had ridiculous % in RedZone, TOP, and 3rd downs. And... we were winning.

We went from that, to bottom of the league, in a hurry too. When you become predictable, teams figure you out. When teams figure you out, you struggle. Boy o boy, did we struggle down the stretch. But we were winning.

I know we can move the ball, and score points. I seen it.

[LinvilleGorge]

Field an NFL caliber offense.  Right now, there are very, very serious concerns about our OL and WR corps.  Neither are NFL caliber on paper.

[rayzor]

i read this as what do we need in addition to what we currently have.

 

oline

pass catchers

improved scoring efficiency since scheme and play calling isn't likely to change much

secondary that doesnt suck

[Luke59foLife]

i read this as what do we need in addition to what we currently have.

 

oline

pass catchers

improved scoring efficiency since scheme and play calling isn't likely to change much

secondary that doesnt suck

 

That's a lot. :(

[pantherj]

#1 - Adding tall decent WRs who can go up and get the ball when they're covered. The top NFC defensive teams will shut down our passing game unless we can win jump balls for TDs, and to keep drives alive. We have an offense that might not score for 3 out of 4 quarters against Seattle and SF. You can't have goose egg quarters and expect to advance in the playoffs. Tall WRs and TEs with big hands are always open to a certain extent. They can break excellent defenses by out reaching/jumping the DBs. They give Cam, a QB who lacks pinpoint accuracy, a larger window to throw into. There is no more pressing need than tall athletic WRs.

 

#2 - LT. We all saw Bell in the Bills game. He quit. He wasn't even using any kind of proper technique, he was simply backing up like any of us would do if we were thrown into the game. Holy smokes. He's going to protect Cam's blind side? I think not.

[pantherclaw]

Hog Molly