Although Thanksgiving is coming up this week, this entire season just feels like one big celebration of Groundhog’s Day for the Carolina Panthers.
So, if you wish to endure it once again, let’s go over the biggest takeaways from their latest loss—a 33-10 defeat at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys.
Offense remains anemic
In their first game after head coach Frank Reich reclaimed play-calling duties, the Panthers offense looked like, well, the Panthers offense.
Tough opposition or not, one touchdown and 187 total yards simply won’t suffice—under any circumstance. (Except maybe if you’re the Pittsburgh Steelers.) And it was, once again, the passing game that dragged along—as Carolina recorded a a season-low 77 yards through the air while quarterback Bryce Young ate a season-high seven sacks.
To their credit, the rushing attack seemed rather competent—behind both running backs. Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders combined for 107 yards on 21 carries.
So, did the offense improve from last week? Well, if we’re asking this question after they averaged 3.2 yards per play, it may be a lost cause anyway.
Defense remains decent
If the Panthers were told they would keep the Cowboys to 311 total yards in Week 11, they’d probably sign up for that nine times out of ten. Well, they did—but it didn’t matter.
Another lifeless offensive outing put a damper on another impressive defensive performance. While they really could’ve used a sack or a takeaway (they had none of either), Carolina held the white-hot Dak Prescott to just 189 passing yards and the even hotter CeeDee Lamb to just 38 catches and one touchdown on six receptions.
Again, this group has to register some big plays sooner rather than later. But they’re still doing just enough on their end.
Home remains away
Unsurprisingly, Bank of America Stadium turned into a Jerry’s World pop-up shop this afternoon.
Cowboys fans traveled well into Charlotte on Sunday, even commanding what some felt was an 80-20 split to Panthers fans. That showing affected an already dysfunctional Panthers offense, as Young admitted he and his unit had to use their silent count throughout the afternoon.
Week 11 marked at least the third time this season where opposing fans made their presence felt. Sadly, it feels like the home of the Carolina Panthers has become a nice weekend getaway destination for their competition.
