The Carolina Panthers are a run-heavy offense, even if they aren’t successful at it, which is likely to continue as long as Mike Shula is calling the plays. With defenses focusing on the run game, it will allow receivers Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess to have one-on-one matchups on regular occasions, and that could spell trouble for defenses. Other than Richard Sherman, the “Twin Towers” will create a height advantage against every other defensive back in the league, which will be extremely valuable, especially in the red zone.
Last season, Benjamin racked up 73 catches for 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns during his rookie season in Charlotte. Benjamin accomplished those numbers despite being double-covered most of the season. With Funchess on the other side, teams aren’t going to be able to double-cover both plus have a safety on tight end Greg Olsen. It’s going to open things up for the entire passing game, and make things easier for everyone involved.
The other addition that’s going to benefit Benjamin is Ted Ginn Jr. The team could run sets with Ginn Jr. on the outside and Benjamin in the slot, and allow Ginn Jr.to be the decoy to occupy the safety deep, and have Benjamin be one-on-one with the nickelback. The Panthers could also have Ginn Jr. in the slot and Benjamin line up outside, and force the safety to choose which receiver to help on. There are so many options on this offense now, that it’s going to be difficult to shut down the 6-foot-5 245-pound athlete.
As long as Funchess can learn the offense quickly and get himself on the field early, Benjamin should put up big numbers from day one. I expect a minimum 1,200 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns from the giant receiver in 2015, as the Panthers win their third consecutive NFC South title.
Jason Fletcher is a MLB Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google+.