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Carolina Panthers: Devin Funchess will help improve passing offense

By Nick Ziegler

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The Carolina Panthers were able to make the playoffs in 2014, but they were lucky to be playing in the NFC South, as their team had flaws.

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Usually when a team makes the playoffs and wins a playoff game, the season is considered a success. For the Panthers that couldn’t have been the feeling, as luck was a main factor in their success. Due to them winning the division, the Panthers hosted a first-round playoff game despite having the worst record of any playoff team.

In the first-round, the Panthers also got lucky by facing off with the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals came into the playoffs with a third-string quarterback under center. Third-string quarterbacks generally don’t win playoff games, and that was the case in their game. In the next round, the Panthers would put up a good fight against the Seattle Seahawks, but they were over-matched.

In 2014, one of the Panthers’ problems was their offense. The Panthers’ passing offense ranked just 19th in the NFL, and that was a direct correlation to where they ranked in scoring, which was also 19th.

Last season, there was a good amount of change at the wide receiver position for the Panthers. Steve Smith Sr. and Brandon LaFell, who were both main targets for Cam Newton were no longer on the team.

In the first-round of last year’s NFL Draft, the Panthers began to fill needs at the wide receiver position. Benjamin would turn out to be one of many impact rookie wide receivers in the 2014 draft class. In his rookie season, Benjamin totaled 73 receptions, 1,008 receiving yards, and nine receiving touchdowns. Benjamin was very good for the Panthers as their No. 1 receiver in 2014 considering he was a rookie.

With a need for another weapon on their offense, the Panthers would trade up to the 41st overall pick to select Devin Funchess from Michigan. Funchess has a monster frame at 6’4” 230lbs, and at his Pro Day ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 and 4.53 seconds.

In three seasons at Michigan, Funchess totaled 126 receptions, 1,715 receiving yards, and 15 receiving touchdowns. Adding Funchess to the Panthers’ offense looks great on paper, as he can be the missing piece to go along with Benjamin and tight end Greg Olsen.

Oct 25, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Devin Funchess (1) is upended by Michigan State Spartans cornerback Trae Waynes (15) during the first half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Funchess does have some flaws in his game, as he does have a tendency to drop passes a little more frequently than others.

A big part of the Panthers’ offense is their running game. As long as Cam Newton is the quarterback, the Panthers are going to be running the football one way or another. At Michigan, Funchess lined up as a tight end and a wide receiver. As a tight end, Funchess wouldn’t be considered a great blocker, but as a wide receiver he can eat alive cornerbacks with his size.

The Panthers have a very good chance to repeat as the NFC South Champions in 2014, but they ultimately want more success. They are fortunate to have their franchise quarterback in Newton, and now surrounding him with talented weapons is important. Funchess will add another solid option for the Panthers’ passing attack in 2015.

Next: Has Cam Newton been worth of being a first-pick?

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