Jim Harbaugh has peaked in his time with the University of Michigan, as he exited a 2021 college football season with a record of 12-2 and an Orange Bowl appearance. It’s also worth mentioning that the Harbaugh-led Wolverines managed to edge out Ohio State University in a 42-27 thrashing of the rival, seventh-ranked squad.

We know Harbaugh has finally left his mark on the college football world. With that said, it appears that Harbaugh may take his talents elsewhere now that he’s on top of the rollercoaster in Michigan. Well, where could the former 49ers, Michigan, and Stanford coach take his talents? It appears that the Harbaugh twin could go back to his professional football coaching roots. 

According to The Athletic, there appears to be a real shot that the former NFL HC returns to the big league. Some have suggested that he could take over the reign in Las Vegas and NBC Chicago stated that Harbaugh “has really positive feelings” about the Bears.

It’s not clear if Chicago will realistically strike gold with the head coach, but it does seem like a logical fit. The Bears have a rookie quarterback with a lot of potential in Justin Fields. They also have significant talent on defense with All-Pro DE Khalil Mack and Pro Bowl snub Roquan Smith.

I can’t deny that the Bears fit well and seem to be a safe bet for landing the Big 10 coach. There are three reasons why they make sense. For 1. They will most likely have a head coaching opening. Second of all, they have the soon-to-be second-year QB Justin Fields. And the third reason would have to be there’s an emotional aspect for Harbaugh. Of course, the head coach played QB for the Bears in his NFL playing days.

Still, I believe there is a better fit talent-wise for Harbaugh and this said team could have a potential opening. This team is none other than the Carolina Panthers. I surely feel that Harbaugh would have more success and more robust, long-term potential with CAR.  

The future competitiveness of the NFC South should seem a lot more charming than that of the NFC North (even if it is dreadful now). In 2024, here is a realistic expectation of the NFC South QBs (excluding Carolina): 

Tampa Bay: Kyle Trask

New Orleans: Jameis Winston

Atlanta Falcons: a rookie or second-year QB

In the NFC North, the Packers could have their attractive ex in Aaron Rodgers for at least a few more seasons. Not to mention that he’s made it very clear that he owns the Bears. The Minnesota Vikings should be at least modest with a couple of holes filled plus the presence of two potential future Hall of Famers in Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson. The Lions have no light at the end of the tunnel, but they do fight hard. I will leave it there.

The South has firepower, but they have a few more wheelchairs via the age of the elite players. Let’s face it, Tom Brady and Gronk won’t be playing longer than a couple of seasons in the NFL. The Falcons will most likely have a new franchise QB in an offense missing Julio Jones and very likely Calvin Ridley. Then the Saints have Sean Payton, Alvin Kamara, but Cam Jordan, Demario Davis, and Malcolm Jenkins will all be 33+ years old next season. It’s not clear who the future QB will be and if Michael Thomas will be in the Big Easy with his rangy nature towards the team. Although, I do feel that the Saints have an optimistic long-term outlook if they properly address the QB situation this offseason.

The Panthers could dominate the South for years if they find a spark at QB around the talent they carry. They will honestly have a bit of a fixer-upper at their own QB situation. Although, it’s worth mentioning that Fields hasn’t been close to a proven first-round pick in Chi-town. But, the Panthers have a very impressive supporting cast around their QB situation. That’s why Harbaugh should also take his chances of finding the franchise QB in the Carolinas and not in the Windy City. 

Harbaugh could have one of the best all-purpose RBs in CMAC coming off of injury. He could rightfully help him return to being an OPOY type of back. He will at least have a season to experiment with him and see how explosive his ability post-injury is. The WR group is much more talented in CAR than Chicago, as well. Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore are arguably the most underrated WR duo in all of the league, while the two leading receivers for the Bears this season are RB David Montgomery and RB Khalil Herbert. Yes, you read that correctly. 

Harbaugh should ideally have his favorite landing spot in his head, but he could be surprised by another opening. If Rhule is really out (right after his OC), then Harbaugh could acknowledge the potential in CAR and be more intuitive by selecting the better strategic empty chair.

The post Why Jim Harbaugh should go to the Carolina Panthers appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The Carolina Panthers entered the 2021 offseason desperate for change. Matt Rhule and the Panthers knew that they were getting All-Pro Christian McCaffrey back and healthy. Still, the fourth-place NFC South team from a year ago was widely aware that they needed a boost in their arsenal if they wanted to head in a winning direction.

The Panthers made a smart move by acquiring the young, cheaper Sam Darnold at the QB position. On defense, the organization drafted Jaycee Horn with the eighth overall pick. Numerous other valuable moves were made like the signing of Dan Arnold at tight end, inking Haason Reddick at defensive end, and the addition of Denzel Perryman to the linebacker unit. The Panthers undoubtedly boast a new look, sharper squad as training camp approaches. 

Indeed, training camp approaches, but it’s still the offseason and there’s still time to focus on improving the roster before the pads come on for the Panthers and the 31 other ball clubs. When looking at the Panthers, they are a team that could use more talent at a few spots. In particular, CAR could use more firepower at the RB position. 

Free-agent RB Todd Gurley would be the perfect fit for coach Rhule’s offensive attack. The Panthers boast CMAC, but there’s hardly an ounce of proven ability behind McCaffrey. Behind the number one RB spot, lies fourth-round rookie Chubba Hubbard and second-year UDFA Rodney Smith. 

Gurley is a mere 26 years old, he’s an ironman RB (played 14+ games in each of the last six seasons), and he brings value in the rushing and passing game. He recorded roughly 5,000 combined yards and 54 total touchdowns across a three-season span (2017-2019). In his most previous season, he wasn’t an electric force behind the dreadful Falcons OL, but he had several long runs and bruising TD runs, which helped show that his knees still have juice and he can be relied on with even a heavy load.

Gurley may not be the same player that he was as an All-Pro in 2018, but he could be involved and provide noticeable production in various ways. In a division where the Panthers play the Saints elite run defense twice a year, the Bucs dominant front seven twice a season, a slight boost from Gurley’s all-around ability could go a long way. His presence could especially be valued in short-yardage situations, where his strength could be utilized and CMAC could sit out and stay fresher.

Gurley signed a one-year – 5.5 million dollar deal with the Atlanta Falcons last season. He will likely garner around four million per season on his next team. The Panthers sit 11th in the league in cap space, so they have the ammunition to ink the former stud RB. If Gurley and the Panthers have a mutual interest in the near future, or if the Panthers feel the need to get more stability at halfback during training camp, it would be wise to reel in Gurley’s services. If Gurley does come to Charlotte and proves to be a quality player, the Panthers could have a superb tandem for years to come.

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Sam Darnold’s career up to this point has not lived up to expectations. The former third overall pick lasted just three seasons with the New York Jets. The team around Darnold in New York was not in any position to win. In much of a sense, Darnold was “thrown to the wolves”. 

While the expectations were high, Darnold was never placed in a situation to truly succeed. The team that the Jets constructed was below average in nearly every aspect. There were no clear offensive weapons to help Darnold develop. The offensive line was abysmal. The run game was non-existent. Yet, people were in disbelief when Darnold was never able to get his footing in the big apple. 

In Darnold’s three seasons with the Jets, he never played a full season. He also finished with a record of 13-25. Stat wise, he wasn’t much better. He threw 45 touchdowns and 39 interceptions. He ran for five touchdowns but added another 20 fumbles. That brings his touchdown and turnover totals to 50 and 49. Those numbers are not what you would want out of your starting quarterback. But all hope is not lost. 

Darnold will get a second chance with the Carolina Panthers. The Jets sent him away in an off-season trade. Carolina is building a strong team with pieces on both sides of the ball.

They also have youth on their side and time to let the young players develop. This could prove to be beneficial to Darnold. The team will go through growing pains, but with much of the coaching staff also being young, they will all get to grow together. 

But can Darnold be the long term option for the Panthers? All signs point to them being willing to wait and see. They gave us decent draft capital to bring him to Carolina and will have expectations for the quarterback. At least for the moment, there is also no other quarterback for the Panthers.

PJ Walker has been a solid backup for the team and can play when needed but is not the future of the franchise. Will Grier is the only other rostered quarterback and he has not been what Carolina thought he would be when they took him in the third round of the 2019 draft. All roads will lead back to Darnold, at least for now. He is in a good position to be the QB1 and there are a few reasons why. 

Coaching

Sam Darnold is finally away from previous head coach Adam Gase. Gase never utilized Darnold in a way where he could showcase his abilities. From poor play calling to poor offensive schemes, the two were never on the same page. For the first time in his career, Darnold will have both a head coach and offensive coordinator that are fully committed to getting the best out of him.

Head coach Matt Rhule will be entering year two. Rhule was the head coach at Baylor for three seasons where he drastically turned the team around. In his first season in 2017, they finished with a record of 1-11. In his final season in 2019, they finished with an 11-3 record and a berth to the Sugar Bowl. 

While Matt Rhule will play a role in how Darnold does in Carolina, he won’t be the main factor. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady will take on much of that. 

Offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who played a crucial part in LSU’s 2019 national championship run, will also be entering year two. The former collegiate signal caller is already being viewed as a head coaching candidate; already receiving multiple interviews after just one season of being an offensive coordinator. His ability to make last season’s offense be decent is alone deserving of an interview. The Panthers unit last season was injury plagued and without their star running back for nearly the entire season. 

Both coaches will look to develop Darnold in a way that the Jets never did. Patience and trust will be necessary to make sure that this is all able to work out.

Receiving Options 

The Panthers have put together one of the most underrated wide receiver rooms in the NFL. With Robby Anderson leading the group, they also have D.J. Moore, David Moore, and rookie receiver Terrace Marshall Jr.

All four receivers have their own specialties and all have played well up to this point. Anderson reached the end zone just three times last season but had over 1,000 yards receiving and 95 receptions.

Fourth year receiver D.J. Moore had a season very similar to Anderson: 66 receptions, 1193 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. The two of these receivers have quickly become one of the top receiving duos in the NFL. 

The Panthers were able to steal David Moore from Seattle. Moore is the type of receiver that every team needs to have. Even with sharing a ball with Seahawk receivers Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf, David Moore was still able to reach the end zone six times on 35 receptions. 

A sneaky addition to the group is LSU receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. Marshall played well in his three seasons at LSU. After a freshman season that did not amount to much playing time, Marshall took off in 2019. In his final two seasons he scored 23 touchdowns and had 1,400 receiving yards. His familairy with Joe Brady will also benefit him as he transitions to the NFL. 

This receiving group is very different from what Darnold had to work with in his final season in New York. An improved group will give Darnold the opportunity to showcase his abilities. But it will also cause the criticism to become even worse. Now that he is surrounded with valid options at receiver, there will be smaller room for mistakes.

Christian McCaffrey 

Darnold will also have the luxury of having one of the game’s best running backs in his backfield. McCaffrey appeared in just three games last season but still scored six times, two in every game he appeared in. 

The versatility that McCaffrey brings will be what Darnold profits from the most. McCaffery is dynamic in both the run and past game. He is just one season removed from scoring 19 touchdowns and having almost 2,400 yards from scrimmage.

When healthy, he is arguably the most talented running backs in the NFL. With him being a part of this unit, Darnild will know that he can depend on him and lean on him when needed. In other words, McCaffrey is the league’s best “security blanket”.

With all of the other added weapons to this offense, all the pressure to produce won’t only be on McCaffrey as well. The ball will be distributed and all of the offensive minds will be able to work together to produce a strong unit. 

This will be a big season for Sam Darnold. His future in this game is still very unknown, but his performance this season could directly impact how much longer he’ll be in the NFL. He is also just 24 years old. With the weapons around him, he is in a position that many other quarterbacks would be lucky to have.

Can he be a QB1 in this league? I believe so. He is still the talented passer that he was during his days at USC. Luckily, he will now get the chance to showcase that. It could very well be QB1 season for Darnold.

The post Why Sam Darnold is the sure fire QB1 in Carolina appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By Calvin K (Twitter: @Calvin_SGF)

There’s no doubt at this point that the NFL has become a pass-first league, and quarterbacks are now more important to a team’s success than they’ve ever been. Anyone can see this evidently when looking at the historical winners of the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award.

The last 14 recipients of the award have all been quarterbacks, and given what this article opened with, it might seem strange to argue for a player from another position to win. However, considering Christian McCaffrey’s talent, it’s not a stretch to say he could be a candidate. This article is not, by any stretch, trying to argue that McCaffrey is the MVP favorite, however, it should convince you that he is a better candidate than any sleeper QB. Here are three reasons why.

McCaffrey’s numbers are historically good

This is the first and most obvious case to be considered when evaluating CMC’s MVP case. Due to injuries, the superstar RB was only on the field for three games last year, but in 2019, his numbers were absolutely mind-boggling.

In 2019, McCaffrey was absolutely dominant. His 1,387 rushing yards along with 1,005 receiving yards made him just the third player to have a 1,000-1,000 season, and he is in elite company, as Marshall Faulk and Roger Craig are the only ones to ever accomplish the feat. McCaffrey’s 2,392 scrimmage yards that year were good for the third-most in a season all-time, behind only Chris Johnson and the aforementioned Faulk.

The “last 14 MVPs have all been QBs” statement is usually a strong argument against a player from another position, however, McCaffrey’s numbers alone mean he warrants special consideration. He received just that in 2019, finishing third in offensive player of the year voting, and there’s reason to believe that he could be higher in 2021 if there isn’t a dominant Lamar Jackson/Michael Thomas this time around.

There is precedent for choosing RBs as MVPs

QBs have dominated the MVP race as of late, but if a quarterback doesn’t win, the winner has been likely to be a running back. In fact, running backs has been the only other offensive position in the league’s history to have a player receive the award. Yes, you read that correctly.

Any running back who wants to be considered must be historically good, but we’ve already established that McCaffrey fits that description. In fact, McCaffrey’s numbers are arguably better than any RB MVP we’ve ever had.

McCaffrey’s season had more scrimmage yards than any RB MVP year (Faulk and Johnson didn’t win MVP in their biggest years), and while he did score significantly less touchdowns than most, he still deserves to be looked at in a positive light. The lack of touchdowns isn’t as concerning, essentially because the game has changed to where offenses are almost always pass-first in the red zone. If you eliminate that concern, McCaffrey beats almost anyone in stats. Add that to the fact that he’d probably still be good as a pure WR in the NFL, and you’ve got the full package for a potential darkhorse run.

The QB candidates have their concerns

Like mentioned before, McCaffrey is not the favorite to win MVP, and a player like Patrick Mahomes will certainly have much higher betting odds, as he should. However, Mahomes and the other QBs do have concerns that could limit their MVP cases.

Mahomes is a fantastic player, but he had a historically lucky campaign in one category: interceptions. Mahomes had a whopping 16 dropped picks in 2020 alone, which begs the question: if a few had gone the other way, how good would his season have looked? Josh Allen, another candidate, seems to have hit his ceiling, and most experts agree that it’s doubtful that he gets much better than last year. Russell Wilson struggled with turnovers last year, and with Seattle shifting more towards a run-first offense again, he might not get the opportunity to compete. Lamar Jackson was figured out by stingy defenses last year, Dak Prescott doesn’t have a huge sample size, Aaron Rodgers is getting older, Kyler Murray was hurt, and when Murray was healthy, he didn’t show an absolutely massive ceiling for the most part.

Why McCaffrey could win

The previous paragraph was undoubtedly chock-full of cherry-picked narratives, but it’s not to say that all, or many of those are true/or will most likely come true. However, it is beneficial and interesting to make a point about darkhorse picks. A darkhorse pick is never one that someone expects, and usually, they have to get some breaks to truly be in the race for #1. As established, McCaffrey is a very talented player, and he should be fully recovered from his injuries in time for 2021. If he regains his old form, he probably still isn’t likely to win MVP in place of a QB, however, with a few breaks, it’s definitely possible, which is why his darkhorse argument is very convincing.

The post Christian McCaffrey NOT a QB Is the Ultimate Darkhorse To Win MVP appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Here are few reasons why Horn was the right choice:

The NFC South is home to the best WR corps in the last 25 years

The Panthers compete in a division where they see 2019 Offensive Player of The Year, Michael Thomas twice a season, Mike Evans twice a year, and all-time great Julio Jones twice a year. Those are six games against the cream of the top wideouts. 

Evans ousted 182 yards and two touchdowns in the two games combined against the Panthers. Jones had 10 catches for 137 yards in the one game against the Panthers secondary. Michael Thomas did not play in 2020 against the Panthers, but he was dazzling every defense in 2019.

Carolina was 17th against the pass in 2020. The passing offenses in the NFC South were prolific to say the least: Tampa Bay was third in the league in passing offense, Atlanta was fifth, and the Saints were in the top 10 with a healthy Drew Brees. Horn will be the ultimate competitor for the Panthers in juggernaut NFC South gauntlet.

Sam Darnold holds similar potential to the 2021 rookie QBs 

Sam Darnold has been playing in the NFL for three years, but he’s only a year older than the likes of Justin Fields/Mac Jones. Darnold was a better prospect than both QBs (Fields/Jones) coming out of college, plus he’s been consistently productive in the past (2019). 

The Panthers may feel confident that there aren’t distinguishable advantages for the rookie QBs in this year’s draft over Darnold. Plus, the potential is still sky high for the former USC signal caller. It was evident that the Panthers felt strongly about Darnold when they sent Bridgewater out the door for a late round draft pick.

If Carolina feels like they don’t have Trevor Lawrence or maybe Trey Lance on the board, it’s very wise to get a talented player at a much bigger need like Jaycee Horn. 

The Panthers were competitive in 2020

The Panthers may have had a top 10 pick in the 2021 draft, but they were more competitive in many games than some fans realize. The Panthers lost a whopping “eight games by eight points or less” in 2020. With a slight upgrade at QB from Darnold to Bridgewater and a healthy Christian McCaffrey, the Panthers will already be in a much better position to close out victories. With that being said, the Panthers were never looking for a home run hit at QB – rather another quality piece to the puzzle.

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