The Panthers continue to find inexplicable ways to lose football games. Seattle were worthy victors and nothing should be taken away from their win. The Panthers, however, had ample opportunities to increase their scoring output, but simply couldn’t. As Ron Rivera likes to say, they had plenty of “missed opportunities.”
The most egregious area that Carolina faltered in was the red zone. This has been an issue for multiple weeks now as they also failed to convert a touchdown against the Lions after D.J. Moore’s long reception.
What is the biggest issue with their red zone issues? The situational play calling by Norv Turner has been nothing short of a disaster. This was an area where I expected him to improve upon Mike Shula’s tenure, but it hasn’t been enough.
For whatever reason, the Panthers made it a priority to ground and pound McCaffrey into a stout Seahawks defensive line. The idea was sound given McCaffrey’s overall production, but space is condensed in the red zone.
They attempt to stretch the defensive line to the far side of the field, which is smart. The issue, though, is that the Panthers offensive line is not good enough to sustain these blocks. Especially in the red zone.
On the next play, Carolina attempts to call a quarterback power concept. The down and distance is 3rd and 4. This is fine play call on 3rd or 4th down and short outside the red zone. This play call becomes predictable due to the wide receiver’s alignment. He’s a decoy due to his wide split and it gives the Seahawks a key to identify the quarterback draw.
The result of this seven yard run was fine. It’s 1st down and the motion seems to create an extra gap for McCaffrey to exploit.
The issue with the previous run was that Norv called another run! No worries though, maybe they change it up on 3rd down?
Nope. Another run! So much for all of Norv’s creativity, right?
The Panthers managed to make it back in the red zone on the next drive. The result was an RPO read for Newton where he finds a wide open Curtis Samuel. It’s not difficult, Norv. The Panthers have a collection of unique skill talent. Use them.
McCaffrey is part of the skill talent that makes the Panthers offense unique, but they also shouldn’t overly rely on him.
The Panthers are operating a two minute drill without a timeout. The screen is defensible only because it allows the clock to run and the last thing Carolina wants is to give Russell Wilson another shot. Surely, Norv will try something different on 2nd down.
Nope. Wrong again, Billy. He inexplicably hands the ball off to McCaffrey. Okay, but maybe the Panthers want the clock to keep running down so they can scheme up one of their other skill players like Olsen, Moore, or Samuel.
Incorrect! It’s 3rd and goal. Carolina has no timeouts and the clock is under 30 seconds. Newton decides to target McCaffrey, but the main problem is the route concepts. Watch Olsen and the wide receivers at the bottom. They don’t run their routes deep enough to the end zone. Seattle, smartly, sits in their zone to anticipate the underneath throw.
The Panthers would eventually score on 3rd and goal, but the first two plays are a microcosm of their issues. There is no reason to have a jumbo formation running into the teeth of their defense. Secondly, the Panthers have called that exact play-action boot to Olsen many times this season. Seattle was prepared for it.
To be clear, the Panthers are still an above average red zone offense. The issues the last two weeks are trending the wrong way, which is why these problems need to be addressed ASAP. The red zone offense failed in their biggest game of the season on Sunday. The result of the failure can be pointed squarely at Norv Turner.