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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In his debut season, Bo Nix has already achieved a unique milestone, winning more games than any other quarterback in the history of the Denver Broncos.
Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels, known for his Hail Mary passes, has guided the Washington Commanders to the top of the NFC East, while Caleb Williams is beginning to show promise with the Chicago Bears.
C.J. Stroud remains in the spotlight, and both Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield are finding new life in their football careers, playing for Minnesota and Tampa Bay, respectively.
For the Carolina Panthers, the situation is a complicated one. They could have explored options with any of these quarterbacks had they made better strategic choices.
Owner David Tepper is undoubtedly feeling the pressure, as the team struggles to find a long-term solution at the quarterback position. Issues have arisen from coaching personnel failing to nurture talent, poor drafting decisions, and making unwise roster moves, which have collectively complicated their search for stability.
After trading for Darnold and Mayfield, the Panthers opted to let them go after a lackluster start. Their decision to pass on Stroud with the first overall pick in 2023, compounded by trading up for Bryce Young last season, has left them without a chance to select any of the promising rookie quarterbacks in the upcoming 2024 draft.
Currently, the Panthers are left with Young, who is burdened by a record of 2-17 as a starter, alongside veteran Andy Dalton.
In a recent game, Young’s underwhelming performance contributed to a 28-14 loss against Nix and the Broncos, who capitalized on a weak Panthers defense that tops the league in points allowed. Nix shone brightly with three touchdown passes, while Young showed persistent struggles with decision-making, presence in the pocket, and overall leadership.
Broncos coach Sean Payton commented on the defensive performance, stating that the Panthers did not present a challenging offense, hinting at the team’s struggles.
Young’s difficulties continued as he threw two more interceptions during the recent game, bringing his career tally to 15 interceptions compared to just 13 touchdown passes.
The Panthers sit at 1-7, facing challenges and uncertainty at the quarterback position, creating a daunting outlook for the future. However, on a slightly brighter note, they seem set for a top-three pick in the 2025 draft, which could offer them a fresh start at quarterback.
For the immediate horizon, Panthers coach Dave Canales has not yet decided whether Young or Dalton will lead the team against New Orleans next Sunday.
When examining what’s not functioning effectively within the organization, communication issues stand out. In their last game, the Panthers experienced two instances where offensive plays were late getting onto the field, leading to delay-of-game penalties. Though some may attribute this to a new coaching staff, limited playing time for Young, and the loud stadium atmosphere in Denver, such mistakes cannot occur in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
The mounting losses may also be affecting team morale. Following the game, cornerback Jaycee Horn was observed arguing with Broncos coach Sean Payton, seemingly frustrated by a trick play executed while the Broncos held a 21-point advantage late in the fourth quarter. Some Panthers players expressed feelings that the Broncos were attempting to intentionally embarrass their defense.
On a positive note, rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette continues to progress, achieving his third touchdown of the season, celebrated with a playful horse-riding gesture. The next step for Legette is to maintain consistency, as he was limited to 34 yards on four receptions in this recent game. Though he is still developing his route-running skills, there is significant potential for growth.
Conversely, Young’s latest performance included scoring drives at the beginning and end but fell short in between, aggregating 224 yards, an improvement over his career average. However, he did little to solidify his status as a starting quarterback or enhance his trade value. It is worth noting that Young lacked key receiving targets like Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen during the match, but consistent high-level play remains elusive.
In terms of injuries, the Panthers might see rookie running back Jonathan Brooks make his debut next week if circumstances allow. Brooks, a second-round draft pick from Texas, has yet to play due to being on injured reserve but brings an explosive playing style that aligns with Canales’ vision for a dynamic running back. His addition could render either Chuba Hubbard or Miles Sanders surplus to requirements.
As for key statistics, the Panthers are currently allowing an alarming average of 33.9 points per game this season.
Next week, the Panthers will host the New Orleans Saints, a team they previously faced in a humiliating 47-10 defeat at the Superdome during the season opener.
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