The Panthers lost again Thursday night, this time to the Bears, 16-13, falling to an NFL-worst 1-8 record. Carolina’s only touchdown came on a punt return, meaning the offense scored just six points on two field goals against a struggling Chicago defense.
Carolina’s frustration appears to be mounting, as its offense continues to struggle behind quarterback Bryce Young, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft. To wit, veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen offered a blunt assessment after the game, calling out the entire offensive group.
“We’re just not hitting on all cylinders right now. We’re not hitting on any cylinders,” Thielen said, via Panthers.com. “It’s an embarrassing effort. I think everyone’s just embarrassed, you know, put up what, six points on offense.”
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The Panthers enjoyed a 7-0 lead to start the game, but the offense couldn’t build on the lead provided special teams and maintained by the defense into the third quarter.
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“That’s embarrassing when your defense is playing the way they’re playing, especially the way they’re playing. It’s embarrassing,” Thielen said. “And like we talked about, we’re putting in good practices. We’re doing the right things; building the momentum that way, but it’s just not translating. That’s tough.”
Carolina entered the season with high hopes after trading up to select Young. Instead, the team is failing to meet the expectations of a bold offseason.
The Panthers play host to the Cowboys (5-3) on Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. ET.
