How did we get here? After a Carolina Panthers offseason filled with new hope and the promise of an “evolved offense” we now find ourselves once again anxiously downing Tums by the handful. An entire offseason spent on improving the offense, and by golly it feels like 2016 all over again after only two weeks.

Let’s recap. The Rams dropping 41 points on the 49ers on Thursday Night Football only served to highlight how mediocre the Panthers offense was in the same situation, scoring nearly half as many points. Then, in the Carolina Panthers home opener, not a single touchdown against a team not going to the playoffs. Sure, the Bills defense was pretty good, but not a single touchdown? After drafting two high powered offensive rookies in the first and second rounds of the draft? What on earth is going on?

To make matters worse, the Panthers face some new challenges due to injury. These could be built in excuses for not performing on Sunday, but the Panthers fan base should not accept that explanation should the offense fail.

The Carolina Panthers have four first round players at offensive skill positions (Stewart, Newton, McCaffrey, Benjamin) and two second round skill players (Funchess, Samuel). This is more than enough talent to score on the worst defense in the league from New Orleans. Many offensive coordinators would love to have that talented lineup at their disposal. Heck, most don’t have a franchise QB to begin with, never mind a former MVP.

Excuses? There are none.

As such, I am officially setting the bar at 29 points. That is what the Minnesota Vikings were able to hang on New Orleans in week 1. Anything less is unacceptable. And anything much less should trigger offensive changes to be made. A loss at home to the 0-2 New Orleans Saints? I don’t even want to think about it.

That can’t happen, can it?

Agree? Disagree? I’ll be discussing this right here.