Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) runs after making a catch in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Chargers 28-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The coaching staff may look to run more two tight end sets to help jump start this offense in 2017.

Running more two tight end sets is something Ron Rivera has mentioned this off-season. The last time the Carolina Panthers ran two tight end sets consistently was when they had Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen. That was in 2011, and Cam Newton was a rookie.

During that season the Panthers’ offense was one of the best in the league. Newton was able to thrive in the system with so many options on offense. Let us break down how the two tight end sets will help the Panthers offense.

The Breakdown

During obvious passing plays last season, the Panthers were blitzed a lot. They were blitzed so much that even the Panthers knew it was coming. So, to counter this aggression by teams, the Panthers could look to add another tight end to block. By adding more help in pass blocking, the Panthers could give Cam Newton more time to throw the ball to his wide receivers.

Also, having two tight ends on the line means that the defense doesn’t truly know if that tight end is there to block or to run a route to get open. An excellent example would be play action passes. Where a team thinks you have two tight ends there to help block for the running back, but instead they fake the run block, and run a route. This could easily keep teams from stacking the box with eight men.

Having two tight ends on the line also helps with run blocking. It is easy to see why having two extra blockers could help with running. There would be more people blocked which in turn would open up holes for running backs to run through.

The New England Patriots like to run a lot of two tight end sets. They have been very successful with it. The NFL is a copy cat league and the Panthers have struggled with beating the blitz. So, it is a great choice to switch to that system. Adding more blocking, along with a better offensive line, could return Newton to MVP status.

Changes That Are Needed

The Carolina Panthers need to cut Ed Dickson loose. Fans were shocked he made the roster last season and a lot of them would be furious if he made it again this coming season. Therefore the Panthers will need to pick up a tight end, preferably in the draft, that can block and catch passes. There are plenty of options in the draft this year as this is a deep tight end class.

The Panthers could take O.J. Howard with the eighth overall pick or they could pick up another balanced tight end later in the draft. A few tight ends in the draft, who would be good fits, are O.J. Howard, David Njoku, Bucky Hodges, and Gerald Everett. These four guys show the ability to be a dual threat as blockers and pass catchers.

Attached are links below that analyze each of those prospects.

O.J. Howard

David Njoku

Bucky Hodges

Gerald Everett

Effectiveness

The Panthers could revamp their offense by going to more two tight end sets. Helping Cam Newton stay clean in the pocket is a must if the team wants to be successful. If Mike Shula can “evolve” into a decent play caller then running the system should work. The Panthers are in a prime position to get a great tight end in the draft, as this is a special tight end class.

In the end it was Ron Rivera who spoke of running the system more, and it seems that he remembers that 2011 season as well. That season might of been a special season if it had not been for poor play on defense.

The Carolina Panthers have a great defense so plugging in that style of offense may make the 2017 season special. In the end, it is all about who they put opposite of Greg Olsen.