Carolina Panthers 2011 Offensive Preview

Last season, the Panthers lacked consistency on the offensive line and a solid option at quarterback. Matt Moore failed to live up to expectations, and second round pick Jimmy Clausen never seemed comfortable when dropping back. 

It is a well known fact in the NFL that winning comes only after discovering a quarterback that fits into your offense and does not shy from the leadership role. The Panthers believe they have found that man in their first overall draft pick, Cam Newton. 

However, this offense ranked last in the league in 2010 and put pressure on the team's defense constantly. There are many questions lingering, and none will be put to rest until the season begins. 

Here's a peek into what to expect from the Panthers' offense in 2011. 

Quarterbacks

On the Roster: 

No. 3, Derek Anderson, Seventh NFL Season

No. 2, Jimmy Clausen, Second NFL Season

No. 1, Cam Newton, Rookie

No. 16, Tony Pike, Second NFL Season

Overview: 

Rookie Cam Newton may be in the lead for the starting position. His speed, strength and competitiveness is exciting Head Coach Ron Rivera and Offensive Coordinator Rob Chudzinski. They have raved about his performance in training camp and have even suggested that he is outplaying teammate Jimmy Clausen. 

Newton has a cannon for an arm, but struggles with his accuracy at times. He occasionally aims the ball into the ground, yards in front of the receiver or sails passes over their heads. He compensates for inconsistent accuracy with a quick, high release and great mobility. Despite weighing in at 244 lbs., Newton has exceptional quickness. He ran a 4.59 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and is dangerous when evading pressure.  

Jimmy Clausen started 10 games for the Panthers in his rookie season, most of which was disappointing. His high point was in Week 15 vs. Arizona, where he completed nearly 70 percent of his passes and finished with a season-high 107.6 rating. However, he left Panthers fans with a bad taste in their mouth by throwing for a dismal 1:3 touchdown to interception ratio on the season. 

Clausen clearly has some talent and a good understanding for the game, but his mechanics and instincts are not what you expect from a starting quarterback. He stands at only 6'2", and his 3/4 release results in tons of tipped passes by the defensive line. He is athletic for the position, but was very jittery when dropping back, and you couldn't sense the pocket presence that he had in college. 

The Panthers recently signed Derek Anderson to a one year contract. Anderson will serve as the mentor to the three younger quarterbacks on the roster and he fits the mold. He has experience with Chudzinski, whom Anderson was playing for when he was selected to the Pro Bowl. He knows the system well and can teach the youngsters the intricacies that will help them progress faster. 

Projected Starter: Cam Newton

Final Grade: 72 (C-)

Running Backs

On the Roster: 

No. 33, Mike Goodson, Third NFL Season

No. 28, Jonathan Stewart, Fourth NFL Season

No. 22, Tyrell Sutton, Third NFL Season

No. 32, Josh Vaughan, Second NFL Season

No. 34, DeAngelo Williams, Sixth NFL Season

Overview: 

DeAngelo Williams was retained by the team and will likely be the starter day one. He is a multi-talented back and one of the best in the league. There are worries about his durability, though. He has missed 13 games over the past two seasons, and his production has dipped when in the starting lineup. After rushing for over 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2008, he slipped to only 361 yards in the six games he appeared in during the 2010 season.

Jonathan Stewart is the second half of the "Double Trouble" duo that the Panthers have at running back. Stewart is four years younger and the more punishing back of the two. He carries one of the league's deadliest stiff arm's and keeps his legs churning through contact. He is no one trick pony, though. Stewart has breakaway speed and moves very well in the open field. He is extremely talented, and at 24 years old, he has a bright future ahead of him. 

Mike Goodson stepped up in Williams' absence last season and was arguably the most effective back on the roster last season. He averaged 4.4 yards per carry and caught 40 passes for 310 yards despite playing in a limited role. The only worry with Goodson is ball security—he fumbled six times last season. Regardless, Goodson is extremely quick and elusive, making him one of the top backups in the league. At No. 3 on the depth chart, he might provide solid trade value down the line. 

This group goes more than three deep, though. Tyrell Sutton is another young player who the team likes. He is a tough, strong player who has even played fullback for the team due to injury.

Projected Lineup: 

Starter: DeAngelo Williams 

Second String: Jonathan Stewart

Third String: Mike Goodson

Final Grade: 94 (A)

Fullbacks

On the Roster: 

No. 42, Tony Fiammetta, Third NFL Season

No. 38, Rashawn Jackson, Second NFL Season

Overview: 

Tony Fiammetta did a solid job of replacing Brad Hoover, the team's longtime fullback, last season. He is a pure blocking fullback who does not present any threat as a runner or receiver. He does a good job of clearing a path for the runner and occasionally delivers a huge hit. He is just as effective when pass protecting as well. 

Rashawn Jackson backs up Fiammetta and is very talented as well. He has great quickness and acceleration for a fullback and displays good technique as a blocker. While he does not punish defenders the way Fiammetta does, he gets to the hole quick and gets to his man, giving the runner a healthy amount of time to react and find the lane. 

Projected Starter: Tony Fiammetta

Final Grade: 80 (B-)

Wide Receivers

On the Roster:

No. 86, Darvin Adams, Rookie

No. 87, David Clowney, Fourth NFL Season

No. 10, Armanti Edwards, Second NFL Season

No. 12, David Gettis, Second NFL Season

No. 19, Trent Guy, Second NFL Season

No. 11, Brandon LaFell, Second NFL Season

No. 83, Charly Martin, Third NFL Season

No. 81, Kealoha Pilares, Rookie

No. 14, Brandon Smith, Rookie

No. 89, Steve Smith, 11th NFL Season

No. 18, Jammoris Warren, Rookie

No. 15, Wallace Wright, Fifth NFL Season

Overview: 

Steve Smith is the only proven option on an incredibly youthful group of receivers. Smith is a known as a burner, but it looked like he lost a step last season. He was outwardly discontent about the quarterback situation, and that showed in his production. He may be rejuvenated by the selection of Cam Newton and has renewed his commitment to the team since the draft. Whoever lines up at quarterback will rely on Smith as a deep threat due to his notoriety for making magic happen when the quarterback throws it up in his direction. 

David Gettis was very impressive as a rookie for the Panthers. He reeled in over 500 yards on almost 14 yards per catch, both good for top seven in the league among rookies. Gettis' great speed makes him a deep threat, but he also displayed refined route running and made some impressive catches during the season. 

Brandon LaFell also showed off his talent during his rookie season and still has a lot of room to improve. Early on, he had a case of the "dropsies", but he recovered by season's end and put up solid numbers—38 receptions, 468 yards. However, LaFell earned most of his respect in the run game. He is a great blocker and even took off for 60 yards in an end-around vs. Atlanta in Week 17. 

Behind these three, there are a slew of options for the team to choose from. Armanti Edwards was making the conversion to receiver last year and struggled, but he has been very impressive in training camp, so he seems to be the leader for the fourth spot right now.

Rookie Kealoha Pilares is talented, and the team thinks they may have gotten a steal with the late-round selection. He appears likely to get a roster spot.  

Darvin Adams was picked up as an UDFA and won a championship with Cam Newton at Auburn, so we'll see if their chemistry lands him a roster spot. David Clowney and Wallace Wright are more experienced, though, so they may push him onto the practice squad.

Projected Lineup:  

Starters: Steve Smith and David Gettis

Second String: Brandon LaFell

Third String: Armanti Edwards

Final Grade: 78 (C+)

Tight Ends

On the Roster: 

No. 82, Gary Barnidge, Fourth NFL Season

No. 47, Richie Brockel, Second NFL Season

No. 84, Ben Hartsock, Eight NFL Season

No. 88, Greg Olsen, Fifth NFL Season

No. 80, Jeremy Shockey, 10th NFL Season

No. 85, Greg Smith, Rookie

Overview: 

The Panthers gave up a third round pick for Greg Olsen, and they will get their money's worth. Rob Chudzinski's offense relies on the tight ends and Olsen is extremely talented as a receiver. He is athletic and very good route runner to couple with a consistent pair of hands. Olsen is as skilled as any tight end in the league and is under the right system to succeed in Carolina. 

Jeremy Shockey was brought in as a veteran leader who still has some years left in the tank. He has exceptional speed and route running ability, but his best trait is his competitiveness. He has been an asset to every team he's played for and will make an impact when paired with Olsen. 

Shockey and Olsen are not great run blockers, but the team will utilize Ben Hartsock in running situations. He is a great blocker who can also make some catches, although that is not his forte. 

Projected Lineup: 

Starter: Greg Olsen

Second String (Receiving Situations): Jeremy Shockey

Third String (Blocking Situations): Ben Hartsock

Final Grade: (87) B+

Offensive Line

On the Roster (Notable Players): 

T No. 69, Jordan Gross, Ninth NFL Season

T No. 79, Jeff Otah, Fourth NFL Season

T No. 65, Garry Williams, Third NFL Season

T No. 75, Lee Ziemba, Rookie

G No. 73, Mackenzy Bernadeau, Fourth NFL Season

G No. 71, C.J. Davis, Third NFL Season

G No. 72, Duke Robinson, Third NFL Season

G No. 74, Geoff Schwartz, Third NFL Season

G No. 70, Travelle Wharton, Eight NFL Season

C No. 67, Ryan Kalil, Fifth NFL Season

C No. 60, Ryan Pugh, Rookie

Overview: 

Jordan Gross has been the Panthers' best lineman, and possibly most consistent player, over the past eight seasons. Gross is one of the premier left tackles in the league, containing a combination of agility and balance as a pass blocker while also being a crafty, strong run blocker. 

Jeff Otah missed the 2010 season due to a knee injury, but he has looked more fit and in shape in training camp than ever. He is a mauler in the run game, but an inconsistent pass blocker. Physically, his skills are elite for a right tackle, but he needs to remain motivated through the entire season.

Travelle Wharton has been the team's left guard for the past few seasons after making the transition from tackle. He is quick, smart and a great run blocker. He has also been troubled by injuries, but when he is healthy, he and Jordan Gross form a wall on the left side of this line.

There is a bit of a question mark at right guard. It will come down to Geoff Schwartz vs. Duke Robinson, but either way, this position will be the weakness on the line. Robinson is a great run blocker who delivers powerful blocks, but struggles mightily as a pass blocker. Schwartz uses great technique, quickness and size to his advantage, but he has played tackle throughout his college and pro career, so there is a bit of a learning curve.

Ryan Kalil is the team's starting center and has been their best lineman over the past two seasons. He is undersized, but behind New York's Nick Mangold, he is the best center in the NFL. He is a technician who is an incredibly motivated and fluid blocker. He is the glue that holds this line together. 

Projected Lineup: 

Left Tackle: Jordan Gross

Left Guard: Travelle Wharton

Center: Ryan Kalil

Right Guard: Geoff Schwartz

Right Tackle: Jeff Otah

Final Grade: 90 (A-)

Final Wrap

Under Rob Chudzinski, this team will utilize more vertical routes and tight end involvement. The pickups of Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey will be key to improving what was a stagnant offense in 2010. 

Quarterback Cam Newton, no matter his struggles with accuracy on short and intermediate routes, is a good vertical passer, so he may have a very successful season. His mobility alone will make an impact, as defenses won't be able to consistently get away with a Dime defense on third downs any longer. His rushing ability will create a lot of first downs that Jimmy Clausen could not pick up last season. 

The offensive line can build its chemistry now that it is entirely healthy. If that remains true and their starting lineup remains intact, it won't surprise me to see a revival of the running game that produced two 1,100 yard rushers only two seasons ago. 

Total Offense Grade: 78.9 (C+)