It couldn’t have gone much worse last season for the former number one overall pick Bryce Young and his Carolina Panthers. With the worst record in the league, the lack of a first round draft pick the following season, and one of the worst offensive outings in recent memory, there can’t be a town of hope left in Charlotte. Enter new head coach Dave Canales, who in his own right is a bit of an offensive whiz and respected quarterback mentor, helping revive the careers of Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield in recent years. Can he do the same for Bryce Young and turn this franchise around?
2nd and 7
Down 7. Two minutes to go.
“Let’s see what Bryce Young can do.”
Instant sack as soon as he hits his back foot pic.twitter.com/SB6iwpj8zq
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) November 26, 2023
Canales and new general manager Dan Morgan made a concerted effort this offseason to ensure that Bryce Young had a chance to fully prove himself after a bit of a throw away year last season. With major investments in the interior with the signings of offensive guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, Carolina vastly improves what was the worst unit in the league last season. The team also made sure to snag their favorite weapon in the draft via a trade up to snag South Carolina receiver Xavier Legette, who was a yards after catch machine in college, and paired him with newly added veteran Diontae Johnson to add some respectability as a receiver room that was abysmal last year.
Ladies and gentlemen, Xavier Legette. pic.twitter.com/X20lT2Elem
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 10, 2024
Overall the Carolina Panthers are bound to face some serious hurdles heading into next season. The loss of Brian Burns cannot be understated as the defensive depth at pass rusher is paper thin outside of the newly added Jadeveon Clowney. This season will be about establishing Bryce Young as a quarterback and seeing exactly what a Dave Canales offense looks like with the investments on the offensive side of the ball. Expect Young to take a step forward with the improvements all around him, and look for the sneaky elite defensive tackle Derrick Brown to help make the defense respectable.
Record prediction: 7-10
