A season that started with renewed hope and high expectations has quickly turned into one of the most frustrating starts in franchise history for the Carolina Panthers. The patina of the new all-star coaching staff, this year’s No. 1 overall pick and a promising defense has worn off—thanks to six straight losses to begin the campaign.
So, as they come out of their bye week at 0-6, what should be the strategy and mindset moving forward?
The absolute top priority for this coaching staff and front office should be the complete investment in said No. 1 pick—quarterback Bryce Young. That includes patching up and fortifying what’s quickly and surprisingly become a thin offensive line.
Luckily, starting right guard Austin Corbett will be returning to the fold soon. The sixth-year veteran, who has yet to play in 2023 due to his recovery from a torn ACL, was officially activated from injured reserve on Tuesday.
But questions about the other side of the front remain. There is still a void at left guard, caused by the season-ending biceps injury to Brady Christensen, and there may still be some concern over a possible step back from second-year tackle Ikem Ekwonu.
Hopefully for the Panthers, Ekwonu hunkers down on the edge and a contender emerges to his right. The field for that spot could include Cade Mays, Calvin Throckmorton, Nash Jensen and rookie Chandler Zavala—who may be on his way back after sustaining a neck stinger.
Injury has also ravaged, to an even more extensive degree, the team’s defense. The unit, to some extent or another, has been without a handful of its starters—including cornerback Jaycee Horn, linebacker Shaq Thompson and safeties Xavier Woods and Vonn Bell. And now, they’ll be without outside linebacker Yetur Gross-Matos and safety Jeremy Chinn for at least the next month.
Plus, the adjustments to defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s new scheme are still trying to settle themselves in. The Panthers have thus far allowed the most points per game (31.0) and the second-most rushing yards per game (144.3).
As a product back on offense, the Panthers have proven to be stale. While it is difficult to keep moving with the constant flow of interior pressure Young is facing, it seems like their adjustments are few and far in between.
On the bright side, veteran receiver Adam Thielen has absolutely shined—having already reeled in 49 receptions for 509 yards and four scores. But outside of the 33-year-old, the wideouts on the roster are having trouble gaining separation.
Perhaps head coach Frank Reich handing over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will help open things up with a new set of eyes. In addition, the Panthers are reportedly on the lookout for some extra pass-catching help—whether that may come through a trade or the free-agent market.
While the project is thus far failing, it is far too early to throw it away. If the Panthers can find their niche on offense, grow into their scheme on defense and get back their key players in due time, the hope—even if it’s for the next season—may start to shimmer again.
