The 2023 Carolina Panthers gave us the same old story, or at least one pretty close to it, on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
Here’s everything we know from the fourth straight loss to start the season:
Final score: Vikings 21, Panthers 13
Keys to the game
- Although improved under Bryce Young (very incrementally), the Panthers’ passing offense couldn’t get off the ground enough. Young completed 25 of his 32 throws for 204 yards, which was good enough for just 6.4 yards per attempt. He was also sacked five times.
- Speaking of not getting off the ground, not much worked there either. Carolina, who ran for 83 yards on 31 carries (2.7 yards per try), stubbornly stuck to the rushing game despite there being little room to go. Minnesota, conversely, ate out of their backfield—amassing 135 yards on 23 totes.
- Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson didn’t absolutely dominate—at least not like he did in his first three games. After going for 150 yards, 159 yards and 149 yards coming in, the all-world weapon was held to 85 yards. His two touchdowns, however, propelled the Minnesota offense.
It was over when . . .
The Panthers had themselves a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter, getting the ball at the 7:20 mark down by eight. They were able to get into the red zone after chipping away on 12 plays.
But Young would proceed to take a pair of sacks in the final three plays to turn the ball over on downs with 53 seconds left.
Players of the game
- OLB Yetur Gross-Matos: four tackles, 1.0 sack, two quarterback hits
- S Jeremy Chinn: six tackles, 1.0 sack
- WR Adam Thielen: seven receptions, 76 yards
What's next?
The 0-4 Panthers will embark on a pair of imposing road trips before entering their bye week. That small stretch begins next Sunday in the Motor City against the 3-1 Detroit Lions.
