CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Throughout the current season, the revamped offensive line of the Carolina Panthers has generally done a commendable job protecting quarterback Bryce Young. As a result, Young’s development has shown some positive signs. However, on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, that protection faltered dramatically, revealing some of the challenges Young faces as a second-year quarterback. He was sacked six times and committed a career-high four turnovers, including two fumbles after being sacked, contributing to a disappointing 30-14 loss at home.
“They put us in a situation where we had to fight back, which forced us into a position of throwing the ball more and trying to score quickly,” noted Panthers coach Dave Canales. “This plays right into what the opponent wants. With a strong pressure scheme and skilled players on their line, we found ourselves in a type of game we didn’t want to be in.” Despite the team’s current streak of four consecutive losses, Young will continue to remain the starter as the team pushes forward.
The intense pressure from Dallas took many back to last season when Young suffered an alarming total of 62 sacks over 16 games. Once again, he appeared uneasy in the pocket, particularly after an early turnover in Dallas territory. Young has shown difficulty against consistent defensive pressure, making him less effective in carrying his team, as seen with other star quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen. While it is common for quarterbacks to see a decline in performance under pressure, Young has exhibited a tendency to make critical errors.
Prior to facing the Cowboys, Young had been sacked only 15 times in ten games this season, displaying potential as a quarterback capable of executing plays effectively when given time. However, when pressed by defenders, his ability to maintain composure disintegrated, and the offensive protection lapsed significantly.
In their most recent game, the Panthers were favored to win for the first time in 34 contests but found themselves overwhelmed by the Cowboys. Dallas outperformed Carolina in total yardage, with a staggering 410 to 235 advantage, while maintaining over a seven-minute lead in possession time, allowing them to dictate the pace of the game. Quarterback Cooper Rush recorded a career-best performance, tossing three touchdown passes, and the Cowboys effectively moved the chains with 5.3 yards per carry. Struggling to establish a rhythm, Carolina’s running back Chuba Hubbard managed only 32 yards on ten carries, which left Young with the pressure of needing to win the game through the air.
Compounding the Panthers’ woes, the team’s run defense remains the worst in the league. Running back Rico Dowdle torched Carolina’s defense, rushing for 149 yards on 25 carries, contributing to Dallas’s total of 211 rushing yards. Ejiro Evero’s defense has had severe challenges, allowing at least 190 rushing yards in five of the last six games, lacking the necessary size to stop the run effectively. In response, Canales emphasized the need to return to fundamental principles: “We need to analyze the film and focus on alignment, tackling, and preventing extra yards. It’s all about getting back to basics.”
On a brighter note, rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker shone on Sunday, marking his best performance to date with a spectacular 83-yard touchdown reception from Young towards the end of the first half. Coker, back from a three-game absence due to a quad injury, collected four catches for a personal best of 110 receiving yards.
Conversely, Panthers team captain Sam Franklin has been struggling with penalties that arrive at poor times. In the recent game, he received an unnecessary roughness flag with just over nine minutes left after the Panthers had narrowed the deficit. This penalty granted Dallas favorable field position, which they capitalized on with a field goal. Canales commented on the ongoing issue of special teams penalties, assuring that they are addressing it: “We need to be more disciplined. The NFL is too challenging to offer opponents any advantage through additional yardage.”
Injury concerns also mounted for Carolina, as rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette exited the game in the first half due to a groin injury and did not return. Legette has been managing a wrist condition that may require surgery following the season, leading to speculation that he might be shut down for the remainder of the year.
A noteworthy statistic from the game was that the Panthers registered only one total yard from scrimmage in the third quarter, during which they were outscored 14-0 by the Cowboys.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will face the Arizona Cardinals in what will be their final home game of the season next Sunday.