CAROLINA PANTHERS

Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Taylor Moton said the offense needs to fully immerse itself in new coordinator Ben McAdoo's playbook in order to improve in 2022.

The Carolina Panthers offense — especially quarterback Sam Darnold — had themselves a day in Wednesday’s OTAs, but they still have a ways to go.

The Panthers made numerous changes to the coaching staff in the offseason, including hiring Ben McAdoo as offensive coordinator and James Campen as offensive line coach. The changes include a new playbook that players are still in the process of mastering.

Darnold looked as if he had a good understanding during the session, hitting open receivers against the more-established defense, notably a deep touchdown pass to Terrace Marshall Jr., who also turned heads.

“I thought it was probably Sam’s best practice, probably since he’s been here,” head coach Matt Rhule said.

Darnold is coming off one of the worst seasons of his four-year career, yet looked comfortable and confident with the receiving corps. Despite his performance, the entire offense still has much to learn, notably, rookie quarterback Matt Corral, who found the ground on one play. It’s clear the offense needs repetition to settle into the new playbook with time that is “limited,” as right tackle Taylor Moton put it.

“We only get a couple months to really get things settled in before we hit fall camp, so it’s a lot on us as players to just keep up,” he said. “Making sure we’re hitting the playbooks, doing everything we can, studying together, holding each other accountable.

“Ultimately, we’re all professionals. It’s very important that we come in knowing what we’re supposed to do so you have the mastery of it. You know it so well we don’t think about it.”

Veteran receiver D.J. Moore also expressed the difficulty of learning a new system, describing McAdoo’s playbook as “long and treacherous.”

The offense also still has some work to do, especially bringing sixth overall pick and Charlotte native Ikem Ekwonu up to speed. Ekwonu was brought on to help improve an offensive line that gave up 52 sacks in 2021 — fourth worst in the NFL.  He displayed great speed and power in position drills but struggled with technique in Wednesday’s practice. 

“Ickey has got a long way to go,” Rhule said, “but he’s taking steps.”

Of course, rookies take time to develop in transitioning from college to the speed and skillset of the NFL. Yet, the expected rookie learning curve doesn’t take away from his potential and what he can bring to the Panthers’ front. Ekwonu is 6-4, 320 pounds and was a proven force at North Carolina State, earning praise from Moton his violent play and edge.

“Stuff like that carries over to everyone else,” Moton said. “Playing with a nasty edge is very contagious. It’s good to have that mindset in the locker room (and) on the field.”

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