Carolina Panthers

Panthers 3 Takeaways: Week 1 vs. Broncos

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The NFL season kicked off on Thursday with a loss for the Carolina Panthers. With plenty to digest, here are the three big takeaways.

Hard fought as may have been, improvements for both sides of the ball are in order as Carolina turns to their home opener against San Francisco…

Offensive Line Blunders

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Mike Remmers (74) and guard Trai Turner (70) against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

By far, the biggest concern of the night postgame was the health of the reigning league MVP Cam Newton. Newton was hit a total of eight times, three of which were sacks, and Newton was continually hurried and rushed out of the pocket early. Despite Newton being an extremely mobile quarterback, he also can establish a rhythm and lead a successful drive if provided time. Newton was not given time, and it lead to poor reads. Poor reads led to the decision that caused a tip ball interception turning the tides against them.

Both Michael Oher and Mike Remmers on the outsides of the o-line respectively will need to turn in higher performances than what was shown Thursday. Even when tasked with blocking the elite likes of Von Miller, you can not let your leader of the offensive get folded like a lawn chair, and his head potentially left as a bowl of jello. It is inexcusable.

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Shaky Nerves, Shaky Secondary

Rookie James Bradberry and the rest of the secondary turned in a decent performance on Thursday, but throughout the night many of tackles simply looked to have been avoided. While it was week one, and Bradberry was starting in his first career regular season game, the lack of grit shown should be worked on. A play that stood out was Denver fullback Andy Janovich and his 28 yard touchdown run.

Bene Benwikere simply just walks by him, made an incorrect read, and stopped on the play. Growing pains for this secondary as young as they are should be expected, but it can not be due to lack of effort that they are beaten.

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Bene Benwikere (25) celebrates an interception with cornerback Robert McClain (27) against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Turnover Differential Must Matter

Three turnovers by Denver only resulted in seven points for Carolina. When dealing with a rookie quarterback such as Trevor Siemian and an inconsistent running attack, a mistake made by the likes of Siemian have to be taken advantage of. Both interceptions by Siemian led to a mere six plays for five yards on the Carolina drives following. Last year the Panthers had the best turnover differential in the league, with a plus 20 rating. But if you don’t do anything with takeaways, they are as good as not.

Next week, the Panthers face a fast tempo offense coached by Chip Kelly, and a strong linebacker corps fronted by Navarro Bowman. San Francisco comes into Bank of America Stadium for the Carolina Panthers home opener.