Can Jon Baldwin of Pitt Still Make an Impact in the Big East?

One thing is certain through Pitt's 2-2 start to the 2010 season: The Panthers offense has serious problems.

Sure, Pitt scored 44 points in a win against FIU last week, but they weren't able to answer many of the questions surrounding the offensive unit.

After the first half of that game, the Panthers gave everyone exactly what they have all season—an inconsistent ground attack and a futile passing game.

Sure, Ray Graham finished with outstanding numbers against FIU, but overall it wasn't a good day for everyone else. To date, Graham has been the only bright spot on a sinking Panthers ship.

Ignoring the season-opening loss to Utah, because Graham didn't touch the ball, and the Panthers have gained a total of 1,146 yards on offense in their next three games. More than half of that has been produced by Graham, who has totaled 582 yards of offense in the last three games.

Graham is headed back to the bench this week as Dion Lewis gets the start at running back, which begs one question to be answered: Who is going to produce offensively for the Panthers?

There have been many disappointments so far. The struggles of Lewis. Poor play from quarterback Tino Sunseri. A lackluster job from the offensive line. Questionable play calling. All have played a factor so far, but nothing can explain the horrific drop in numbers for wide receiver Jon Baldwin.

Baldwin entered the season almost as a first-round lock in next year's NFL draft. As one of the best playmakers and receiving prospects in the nation, who would argue?

Most thought that Baldwin would build off his career 90 receptions, 1,726 yards, and 13 touchdowns, which he accumulated in only two seasons. Very few people would have expected the junior to have only 15 catches for 211 yards at this point of the season.

To call Baldwin's start to the season a huge disappointment would be an understatement.

It's not like Baldwin doesn't want the ball though. The Panthers can't get it to him. That's the problem.

To have any chance to win the Big East, making Baldwin a big part of the offense is as vital as anything else the Panthers can do. Despite the way Panthers head coach Dave Wannstedt makes the game seem, football doesn't have to be brain surgery.

Get the ball in your best players' hands and let them use their talent to make plays. Despite the win against FIU, Baldwin having only two catches for 14 yards is the total opposite of that theory.

The Panthers have an obvious weakness of not being able to throw the ball downfield. While that is one of Baldwin's strengths, that's not his only one. Find other ways to get the ball in his hands.

Wide receiver screens? Quick slants? Just get him the ball. The more they get Baldwin the ball, the more he will make plays. You can't just throw the ball his way two or three times a game. He has to be a vital part of the offense.

If Sunseri can't get the ball downfield, then they have to find other ways. Make adjustments, plain and simple—although adjusting has never been one of Wannstedt's strengths.

Baldwin could be the key. If they can't get him the ball, the Panthers will struggle against Notre Dame and will have little chance of winning the Big East.