Former Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula attempted to protect quarterback Cam Newton by forming him into more of a pocket passer last season. As the season progressed it became increasingly evident that Carolina was not going to be successful with Newton anchored in the pocket.
Injuries to tight end Greg Olsen, wide receiver Curtis Samuel and a relatively young group of wide receivers left much of the burden on Newton to move the football himself. With no receiving threat to stretch the field, opposing defenses stacked the line of scrimmage initially keeping running backs Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey bottled up.