For the second week in a row, the Carolina Panthers have dropped a dud in beginning their 2024 season. This time, they ate a 26-3 loss at the hands of the visiting Los Angeles Chargers here in Week 2.
Once again, there’s plenty to question when it comes to these Panthers, who are keeping up their reputation as the worst product in the NFL. But, even in another embarrassing defeat, there are some positives to pull.
Here are four key takeaways from Sunday:
A conversation is needed about Bryce Young
Simply put, Young—who passed for a career-low 84 yards—is a shell of what he used to be when he dominated the college football landscape.
He’s showing a lack of confidence as a passer, he’s been off with his reads and hasn’t been sharp on his progressions. Young looks overwhelmed, evidenced by his 55.3-percent completion rate and three interceptions to this point.
Confidence from the fanbase has also withered significantly, as the faithful have begun calls for backup Andy Dalton. And even if the Panthers were to make a very improbable switch, the problems of this offense are too much for the veteran to fix.
So, what’s next?
The Panthers are determined to roll with their second-year starter in hopes of finding any rhythm or confidence. However, it’s hard to ignore the incompetent play from Young—who is beginning to look like someone who could be on his way out of Carolina much, much sooner than expected.
Panthers find success running the football
Carolina got a bit of offense going on the ground, where first-string back Chuba Hubbard ran for 64 yards on just 10 carries. As a whole, the unit tallied 90 rushing yards at a solid 5.0 yards per attempt.
But when a team goes one-for-12 on third downs and averages just 2.5 yards per pass attempt, the “establishing the run” mentality goes out the window.
It might be time for head coach Dave Canales to take a page out of the Chargers’ book and adjust. The Los Angeles offense, which rushed for 219 yards, dominated the time of possession (36:18 to 23:42) and had Carolina in a chokehold throughout the afternoon.
Perhaps it’s time for Hubbard, who only touched the ball four times today, to assume a more featured role moving forward.
Offensive line offers another steady performance
A bright spot for the Panthers has been their improved offensive line. While nowhere near the elite level that we see in Kansas City of Philadelphia, it’s a unit that has held its own thus far.
Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu remains the key weakness, but seemingly had a quiet day outside of a holding call in the second half. This is still an important season for him, and he must continue to put these types of consistent performances together to establish himself as a long-term solution.
Outside Ekwonu—left guard Damien Lewis, center Austin Corbett, right guard Robert Hunt and right tackle Taylor Moton had positive days. Although there was some uncertainty to Corbett’s transition from guard to center, he’s looked to have settled in nicely. There has yet to be a noticeable negative play from the veteran interior lineman.
This five-man front has continued to give their quarterback a chance, which should be admired. Through two games, this could be the best position group on the entire roster.
Defense shows improvement despite being gashed (again)
Despite allowing 219 rushing yards to the Chargers, the Panthers showed improvement and discipline throughout the game—especially in coverage.
Cornernack Jaycee Horn was one of the top standouts of this defense, as he snagged his first interception of the season in the first quarter after giving up an early touchdown to wide receiver Quinten Johnston. He showcased why he can be one of the top cornerbacks in football with his performance.
Veteran linebacker and longtime Panther Shaq Thompson flew around the field today, tallying 14 tackles with physicality and explosiveness downhill. With Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown now done for the season, Thompson is proving he’s amongst the most indispensable players on this defense.
Nonetheless, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero must make more adjustments as the season goes on. The Panthers do not have the adequate personnel to defend the run like Evero wants to.
There are flashes of aggression from time to time, but it lacks far too often.
