2. Passing efficiency
The problem: Carolina suffered from awful quarterback play last season. After two games of an injured Cam Newton, Kyle Allen started 12 games and wound up averaging just 6.8 yards per pass attempt, which ranked No. 24 in the league. Will Grier’s final two games were no better.
What’s changed: The Panthers are going to miss Newton’s athleticism, especially his arm strength. Teddy Bridgewater is a fine game manager type of quarterback, but he can’t match Cam’s power and in general is not very aggressive. In 2019, he averaged only 6.2 intended air yards per attempt, which was lower than any regular starter in the NFL.
The x-factor: Bridgewater has the ability to hit targets of 25+ yards down the field. He just needs to be willing to take more of those shots to take advantage of the Panthers’ speed at wide receiver. If offensive coordinator Joe Brady can unleash Bridgewater’s more aggressive instincts, it will make this a far more dynamic offense.