The Carolina Panthers season was one of triumphant moments for the offense, defense, and even special teamer Ryan Fitzgerald. From the 30-0 win against division rival Atlanta Falcons, the Canales Master Class win vs the Green Bay Packers, and even the loss to the Rams in the playoff game, this team seemed destined to show many of its doubters that these aren’t your parents Panthers, this is a new breed.
With all of those highs and lows, the front office in Charlotte now has to not only improve but also maintain that momentum that seems to be blossoming. Dave Canales enters year 3 as head coach and offensive play caller with his OC Brad Idzik, supporting him through the daily rigamarole, something that he has improved immensely since his first year. Rather than adding another new cog into the Canales-machine, Dave and the Panthers front office decided instead to also extend DC Ejiro Evero, rather than go searching for a new defensive play caller this deep into Daves’ tenure, a decision the fanbase didn’t accept happily.
Panthers hire Darrell Bevell
Now with year 3 officially here, Dave has decided to add on long-time friend and coworker Darrell Bevell to the staff as an Assistant Head Coach. Bevell will add strength to the coaching room as the 56 year old brings an immense pedigree at the position from coaching for the Packers, Vikings, Seahawks, Lions, Jaguars, and Dolphins. Bevell would become interim head coach twice during his tenure (Lions and Jaguars), yet also has a Super Bowl ring with the 2013 Seahawks, a team that Dave Canales famously also coached on.
As offensive coordinator during that 2013 Super Bowl run, Bevell would coach the 4th best rushing offensive in the league with 2,188 yards and averaged more than 135 yards per game. While that total offense may still have only ranked a mere 18th overall, Bevell has proven that his expertise can lead to wins. Bevell will be trying to add that same magic dust to the Panthers team that ranked 27th in total offense at just 275 yards per game, 27th in points per game at 18.3, yet ranked 19th in rushing yards at 1,977 or 116.3 per game.
Looking Forward
Bevell may have his work cut out for him given the woes of this Panthers team but his addition signals a reinforcement of the offensive side of the ball, giving QB Bryce Young much more confidence heading into the season as they prepare to face a first place schedule for the first time in a decade.
