Outlook for the Carolina Panthers
By: Jake Rajala
The Carolina Panthers are a very complex team. They have a lot of help for Bryce Young, as they have Tetairora McMillan, Xavier Legette, and Adam Thielen. Their defense is also modest. With that said, I’m going to take a fun angle by untwining the best and worst case for the Panthers.
Worst
The Panthers ranked 32nd in PPG allowed last season. Just as someone should never say Valdemort’s name, one shouldn’t say the “Panthers defense”. They were also 29th in sacks. Their defense needs to be rebuilt, to say the least. I would still have liked to see them keep Clowney for a few more seasons, as he was still productive. One of the best parts about the Panthers is that they ranked 23rd in scoring last season. It’s positive due to them turning on the jets in the back-half of the season.
I believe their worst record could be 3-14.
Best
The Panthers can lean on their running game a lot more. They were 16th last season. Their RB Chuba Hubbard missed a pair of games last season, yet he ran angry for 1,195 yards. The Panthers RB2, Rico Dowdle, ran for 1,079, too. Obviously, they can’t bring CMAC back from the dead. However, they can try to use two ball-carriers to replace his production. Their OL was also berzerk. I’d love to see more results with improved chemistry and health.
I believe their best record could be 9-8.
The Panthers may be young and in a rebuilding process. However, the Saints and Falcons are also rolling out the red carpet for a rookie or second-year QB. The Panthers could potentially sweep each of those teams. It will be a serious challenge to upset the Bucs, however.
This is a make or break season for Bryce. He could show he’s the answer long term. If he is putrid, he will likely take his head coach, Dave Canales, down with him. The Panthers could be shopping for a QB in 2025 if Young is even average.
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