Carolina Panthers fans are seemingly at their wit’s end with what they’ve been watching, and the man in charge over at 800 South Mint Street may be close to his.
This past Thursday night, the Panthers delivered yet another embarrassing offensive performance in yet another losing effort. And according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the consistently underwhelming results aren’t sitting well with owner David Tepper.
She wrote the following in her column from Saturday:
. . . I am told Panthers owner David Tepper is frustrated by this offense and its lack of improvement. Some in the building believe the roster hasn’t been built correctly, while others criticize the offense overall. This is an offense some league sources have described as “boring,” “predictable” and even “lifeless.”
While there has been plenty of outside concern regarding the play of rookie quarterback Bryce Young, Russini does note that the organization still believes their No. 1 overall pick is the future of the franchise. Young, through eight outings, has averaged 195.0 passing yards per contest with a passer rating of 75.9—the fourth-worst mark amongst quarterbacks with at least five starts.
As a whole, the Panthers offense ranks just as weakly. Heading into Sunday’s slate of Week 10 games, Carolina sits 30th in yards per game (275.6) and 27th in points per game (17.0).
The team moved to 1-8 a few nights ago after a troubling display in Chicago, one in which their only touchdown came courtesy of a punt return by Ihmir Smith-Marsette. Otherwise, the unit has reached the end zone just twice over their last three games.
Russini also noted that ownership is looking for some steps forward from here on out:
I’m told the message in the building is, “Ownership needs to see more progress on offense. There needs to be development and improvement.”
If the second half of the regular season looks like the first half, I expect Carolina to make changes. I have learned those in power want to start seeing an offense that looks like what Young executed to precision at the University of Alabama, which included bubbles and RPOs, and that leans into his strengths. Ownership is satisfied with the defense and special teams.
Well, at least they have something going for them.
