The Carolina Panthers shocked a lot of people Tuesday by firing offensive coordinator Mike Shula, along with quarterback coach Ken Dorsey. However, the team didn’t make those moves without having a plan in mind, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, who says Norv Turner could be that guy.
When #Panthers coach Ron Rivera fired Mike Shula today, he had a target in mind: Long-time OC Norv Turner, who was out of football last year. Would be an upgrade if that comes together.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 9, 2018
While some might look at Norv Turner’s penchant for drawing up passing plays that require deep drops and think this won’t work well (yes, looking at you, Speedbump McGee), we disagree.
Turner has long been known for getting the most out of quarterbacks and for developing successful passing attacks. His first season as an NFL offensive coordinator was way back in 1991, and he’s been either a head coach or coordinator ever since. He’s been out of football for a year, but perhaps that’s only served to rejuvenate him and give him time to develop some new ideas.
Cam Newton is an elite NFL quarterback. When he’s healthy, he does things only a handful of other passers can do, like what we saw in the playoff game on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately he’s had very little help at receiver, and Shula seemed to have trouble maximizing the talented Christian McCaffrey until later in the 2017 campaign.
No doubt, Turner would have some innovative ideas about how to get the youngster more involved. And he’d get Newton back on track after another frustrating, up-and-down season.