The Carolina Panthers desperately need RB Christian McCaffrey to stay healthy to increase their chances of posting a winning season for the first time since 2017. The quarterback position remains a concern, but there is hope that rookie Matt Corral can push for the starting job over Sam Darnold. In addition, the Panthers have three viable options at wide receiver to hopefully raise their offense from the doldrums in the league. Defensively, Carolina showed growth in 2021, pointing to more success this year if they can play from the lead in more games.
OFFENSE
The Panthers tried to run the ball last season, but without their star ball carrier, they lost the ability to make big plays and score on the ground. Even with close to 600 pass attempts, Carolina struggled to move the ball consistently via the air. With a push to 5.0 yards per rush and 7.0 yards per pass attempt, this offense would have top-12 upside.
QUARTERBACKS
Matt Corral
Over his final two seasons at Mississippi, Corral completed 69.2 percent of his passes for 6,686 yards with 49 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. He gained 9.4 yards per pass attempt while also being active as a runner (112/506/4 and 152/614/11). Almost one-third of his rushing yards last year came in one game (30/195). Over his final nine full games in 2021, Corral failed to deliver more than two passing touchdowns in any matchup. In his meeting vs. Malik Willis (173 passing yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions plus 27/71/1 on the ground) on November 6th, he gained 333 combined yards with one touchdown.
Corral also took the snap out of the shotgun on most plays, but Mississippi ran play-action run/pass options to keep defenses on their heels. He showed the ability to stick quick passes on time on a tight line while doing some dirty work in the run game. Corral must improve his decision-making on his run plays to avoid taking big hits at the next level. His desire to fight for extra yards on the ground can be a win at the goal line. When asked to drive the ball downfield in the passing game, Corral offered touch, but some passes had a high vertical, which may lead to more interceptions.
I expect him to control the first 20 yards past the line of scrimmage while only using his legs when asked to move the chains. In addition, Corral will make his share of big passing plays in an offense with a top-tier run game.
Fantasy outlook: When given a choice, new blood at quarterback may be the best option for all players in the Panthers’ offense. Corral should enter training camp in a dead heat for the starting job. Carolina has offensive tools to push higher in passing production, giving him a chance to offer matchup value in his rookie season.
Sam Darnold – click here for fantasy projections
Other options: P.J. Walker, Davis Cheek
