Air it out

The biggest cloud hanging over the Carolina Panthers right now is not Bryce Young’s heart, toughness, or leadership. It is his contract situation.

There is a case to be made either way, but now is not the time to extend him.

Young still has two years remaining under team control, and he simply has not shown the consistency needed to justify a market setting deal. The organization also failed to fully capitalize on the competitive advantage of his rookie contract, something teams like the Cincinnati Bengals did masterfully with Joe Burrow. When a quarterback is cheap, that is the window to aggressively build the roster. That opportunity has largely passed.

At this point, it is impossible to justify anything close to 50 million dollars per year. Some of the hesitation stems from physical limitations, but most of it comes down to results. He has not proven he can consistently elevate the team.

There is no need to rush. Let it play out. The franchise tag exists for a reason after Years 4 and 5. If he produces over the next two seasons, hard feelings will disappear quickly. Money and winning solve everything in the NFL.

The deeper concern is this. Bryce Young is not built to carry a franchise the way Cam Newton once did. He is a quarterback who requires strong infrastructure around him, including protection, weapons, and a capable defense. But paying him top tier money would make it harder to afford those very pieces.

You can see how that tension plays out elsewhere. Cincinnati managed to pay Burrow and two elite wide receivers, but the defense has suffered because draft hits have not consistently replenished the roster. That is the danger of committing massive cap space without elite roster carrying production.

Draft Outlook

With the NFL Combine in full swing, it is the perfect time to zoom out and take a comprehensive look at where the Carolina Panthers could pivot with the No. 19 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Less than two months out, the board is still fluid but the team’s needs are not.

Offensive Tackle Planning for the Inevitable

The late injury to Ikem Ekwonu was massive. Even before that, tackle depth was a looming issue. Taylor Moton has been steady and reliable, but age and contract cost are real factors now.

At 19, you are probably looking at a prospect who profiles early as a right tackle with the upside to flip to the left side long term. That kind of developmental swing tackle has value, especially if you are serious about protecting your quarterback for the next decade.

Defensive Tackle Quietly a Big Need

The pending release of A'Shawn Robinson stings. He was not flashy, but he did the little things that helped stabilize the defense in 2025. Replacing that kind of interior presence is not easy.

Could Peter Woods be a long term upgrade. The traits are intriguing. If the front office believes they can develop him into a disruptive interior force, that might be a swing worth taking.

Middle Linebacker Back to the Identity

There is always something appealing about the Panthers going back to their roots and landing a tone setting middle linebacker. Sonny Sykes was in the mix until the rest of the football world caught on to those abnormal in a good way traits. He is likely gone well before 19.

Still, the position remains a need. A defense plays differently when it has a true quarterback in the middle.

Cornerback You Can Never Have Too Many

Corner might be the cleanest value play at 19. You can never have too many cover guys, and if history tells us anything, staying healthy in the secondary is always a stretch. A first round corner gives you flexibility and insurance and potentially plenty of snags if things break right.

Safety Sneaky Value Spot

Safety could also present strong value at 19. Caleb Downs will likely be off the board, but that does not mean the position is empty. If the board falls right, this could be one of those quiet picks that pays dividends for years.

What Is Missing: Pass Rusher EDGE

What is missing from this list is pass rusher or EDGE. They have two young players you expect to make a jump in 2026, but expectation and production are not the same thing. They need a veteran presence in that room.

The real question is what tier of veteran. Do you swing big and pay premium money for someone like Trey Hendrickson. Or do you target more of a mid level addition similar to what they did with D.J. Wonnum. That decision likely comes in free agency, not at 19, but it directly impacts how aggressive they feel on draft night.

The good news is the Panthers are not boxed in. Offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, corner, safety, and even EDGE are all defensible paths depending on how the board falls and what happens in free agency. With multiple needs and flexibility at 19, nothing should be off the table.

Safety Struggles

The Carolina Panthers will enter the season in need of a "centerfield" type safety. After spending big and getting it right on Tre'Von Moehrig last year, and drafting Lathan Ransom in the fourth round, the Panthers appear to have some pieces in place. However, they still need a player who can run sideline to sideline. Moehrig is excellent against the run, and Ransom appears to be a younger version of that same mold.

The hope was that Demani Richardson would develop into that deep safety role, but he largely flamed out, was cut at the end of the season, and was only brought back as an afterthought. That leaves a real void. What the Panthers need is a high-level ball hawk who can patrol the deep middle and also need better depth at the position.

The problem is cap space. It's not as critical a need as middle linebacker, but it ranks second or third, perhaps just behind an established pass rusher. Spending significant money on a safety may simply not be an option given their limitations. That player won't be found early in the draft either unless it's Caleb Downs, and he's not falling to 19. So look for the Panthers to address it later, somewhere in rounds two through four, or hope a bargain emerges in free agency.

In The Corner

On the surface, the Carolina Panthers appear set at cornerback heading into the 2026 season. They don't have a ton of depth or a sure thing at nickel, but Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson are a top-10 duo in the league. Even so, expanding the depth pool is a necessity for two reasons: Jackson is aging out of the window for top-tier cornerback play, and Horn, despite staying healthy the last two seasons, missed significant time in each of his first four years — a pattern that's hard to fully dismiss.

Because of this, cornerback shouldn't be ruled out as a first-round target. Early mock drafts and simulators suggest the position could become the best available option depending on how the board falls, and the need is genuine. Counting on Horn for all 17 games is a stretch, and at nearly 30, Jackson is approaching the end of his usefulness at a position that ages players quickly.

There's also a strategic case for going corner in round one. Most NFL teams deploy three cornerbacks on more than 60% of their snaps, making positional depth less of a luxury and more of a requirement. If the Panthers don't address it early, they need to find value later. Taking a flier on a traits-based prospect in the later rounds — whether a tall, longer corner or a smaller, faster player-could provide depth and immediate special teams contributions.

Grow from Within

The Carolina Panthers need a pass rusher. I’m not denying that. I just don’t think it’s as dire as a lot of fans make it out to be.

It’s still hard to believe the organization let Brian Burns go for next to nothing in compensation. Especially when they reportedly could have gotten two first round picks the year before. Or included him in the package with the Chicago Bears for the first overall pick instead of giving up the best option for the new quarterback they were about to draft. That decision will always sting a little. But that’s water under the bridge now.

So where does that leave them?

Do they need a pass rusher? Yes. Are they going to find someone at 19 who is exponentially better than what they drafted last year? Probably not. The elite guys are gone early. Reaching because you feel pressure from the fan base is how you make mistakes.

And the free agent or trade market? Too expensive. This team is not in a position to overpay for one position when there are still holes all over the roster.

What they need is growth.

They need Princely Umanmielen and Nic Scourton to take a real step forward in 2026. That’s the bet. Year two is when you often see it click for edge guys. You have to hope Princely can turn into a six or seven sack player in year two. If that happens, suddenly the room looks a lot different.

I also hope they bring back Pat Jones. Jones and Scourton on first down are a solid duo setting the edge. That matters. You don’t always need a 15 sack guy if you can create long down and distance and collapse the pocket by committee.

More than anything, this team cannot go into the draft locked in on one position. They need to sit still and be willing to move back. I normally don’t advocate for trading back. I usually want impact players. But this roster needs to get better everywhere. Setting your sights on one spot just shrinks the pool and forces your hand.

The Panthers need a pass rusher. They just don’t need to panic about it. They need to draft smart, add picks if the board allows it, and trust that some of the young guys they already invested in are ready to take the next step.

Middle of The Road

Perhaps one of the most intriguing storylines of the Panthers’ offseason is the middle linebacker position.

I’ve said time and time again that I’m not a fan of the 3–4 defense. But as long as David Tepper owns this team, it appears he will continue either softly or firmly behind the scenes to push the organization toward that scheme. And since that isn’t likely to change anytime soon, the Panthers now have a pressing need: they must find two reliable inside linebackers.

Right now, it’s fair to question whether Trevin Wallace is one of them. Christian Rozeboom is a free agent, and Wallace has yet to fully prove he can anchor the position long term. For a franchise that once prided itself on elite linebacker play and coming on the heels of its latest star at the position being inducted into the Hall of Fame, it feels like the time has come to reinvest there.

Sonny Styles.

Sonny Styles has emerged as a popular projection in recent mock drafts, and I wouldn’t be opposed to that selection. A 6’4”, 240 pound former safety brings intriguing versatility, especially if he’s available in the back half of the draft. Still, youth alone won’t be enough. This defense needs a veteran presence in the middle, someone who can stabilize the unit and lead.

My gut, along with the team’s cap situation, suggests that Wallace will likely reclaim a starting role. Maybe in Year Three, the former third round pick takes a significant leap. That outcome isn’t impossible. But relying on potential alone is risky.

And if the Panthers aren’t going to address linebacker early in Rounds 1 or 2, it’s hard to justify spending a third or fourth round pick on another player who simply replicates Wallace’s profile. At that point, you’re just stacking similar prospects without solving the core problem.

If this organization is serious about fixing its defense, it needs to stop hedging and start committing. The middle linebacker position deserves real investment again, whether through a premium draft pick, a proven veteran, or ideally, both.

A Defensive Stance

The Carolina Panthers showed significant improvement on defense this year, and much of that progress can be credited to the return of Derrick Brown. Last offseason, the front office clearly prioritized the defensive line, spending heavily on the position group, much like they had done the year before with offensive guard.

I liked the approach, especially with Brown returning and A’Shawn Robinson in the mix. Robinson is a classic “glue guy,” but he is more than that. He brings size, toughness, consistency, and helps hold the front together. The signing of Bobby Brown was also solid, and I never understood why it took so long into the season for him to start getting more snaps. When he was on the field, his impact was noticeable. However, that move was somewhat offset, in my opinion, by the signing of Turk Wharton.

Not only did Wharton miss significant time with injury, but his production did not justify the investment. He felt like a luxury signing for a team closer to championship contention than this organization currently is. More importantly, his fit in this scheme is questionable. Outside of pass rushing, what does he really provide?

This defense runs a 3–4, which is designed to have three massive defensive tackles eat up blocks and free up linebackers and edge rushers. Wharton profiles more as an under tackle in a 4–3 or as a situational interior pass rusher in certain three man fronts. He does not naturally fit the core identity of this system.

Looking ahead, releasing A’Shawn Robinson could save cap space, but it would also create a major hole, especially when the defense is finally starting to look competent. That is a risky move for a unit that is still developing consistency.

The formula should be simple. On early downs and short yardage situations, roll with Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown, and A’Shawn Robinson. On passing downs, swap out Bobby Brown for Wharton. Keep it straightforward.

Heading into 2026, there is no need to overcomplicate the personnel. This defense works best when it leans into size, strength, and discipline up front. If the Panthers stick with that identity, the defensive line can continue to be a foundation for improvement.

Pressure Up the Middle: Diagnosing the Panthers’ O-Line Issues

I’m not trying to continue the negativity surrounding the Carolina Panthers, but things clearly became more complicated with Ikem Ekwonu’s injury during the playoff loss. That injury leaves the offensive line in flux heading into 2026 and creates another major roster challenge.

At guard, the Panthers appear relatively set entering the season. Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis were very good signings and have largely performed to expectations. That said, a significant amount of cap space is now tied up in a position that is generally easier to replace than tackle. This points to a broader issue: the lack of successful drafting and development along the interior offensive line.

The Panthers attempted to address that pipeline with Chandler Zavala, but based on his performance, he has not proven to be a viable long-term option. In theory, guard should be one of the easier positions to fill because the college talent pool is larger. Many collegiate tackles lack the length or athleticism to remain outside in the NFL but can transition inside and perform at a high level.

At the very least, it is debatable whether Ekwonu would be better suited at left guard than left tackle. As a tackle, he profiles as a middle-of-the-pack starter. Inside, however, his power, athleticism, and temperament suggest the potential to become an elite player, similar to the role Quentin Nelson has played for the Colts. That possibility only reinforces the larger concern: Carolina has invested heavily in guard financially while failing to build sustainable depth through the draft.

Center also remains an unresolved issue. Years after Ryan Kalil’s retirement, the Panthers still have not found a long-term answer at the position. Cade Mays’ asking price could determine whether he remains in Carolina, although Bryce Young does appear to play better with Mays snapping the ball. That observation may not be fully supported numerically, but it is my perception.

That frustration is compounded by recent draft decisions. Carolina passed on clear center solutions such as Jackson Powers-Johnson and Zach Frazier in favor of a running back coming off an ACL injury, who then suffered another ACL tear. In hindsight, that choice reflects a continued failure to prioritize the middle of the offensive line, particularly when reliable, long-term options were available.

Brady Christensen’s situation further complicates the depth chart. He will likely miss time early in the season following the injury he sustained in 2025, but the larger issue is contractual. Christensen is not currently under contract, and negotiating a new deal while accounting for both his injury and uncertain availability presents a difficult evaluation for the front office.

Which brings the conversation back to tackle. Given Taylor Moton’s situation, the Panthers already needed to address the position early in the draft. Ekwonu’s injury now accelerates that urgency. They may be forced to use a first-round pick at tackle or turn to free agency, where quality starters are neither cheap nor easily replaceable.

Moton is expected to return in 2026, but this will likely be his final year with the organization. That reality adds another dimension to Ekwonu’s long-term outlook. Beyond the ongoing discussion about his fit at left tackle or guard, Ekwonu should also be considered a potential long-term replacement for Moton at right tackle. Again, his power, athletic profile, and experience on the edge could make that transition viable, particularly if Carolina drafts a new blindside protector. Failing to plan for that succession risks keeping the offensive line in a constant state of transition rather than building a stable, cost-controlled unit through development.

Off Season Upgrades

The Carolina Panthers have never truly filled the void Greg Olsen left several years ago. To be honest, they have never really tried, at least not by investing a premium draft pick at the position. The organization has historically been reluctant to take a tight end in the first round, and that trend has held.

That said, I do like the three tight ends currently on the roster, even if their collective upside is somewhat limited. I do not believe the Panthers will draft a tight end with the 19th pick, despite several mock drafts projecting them to take the tight end out of Oregon. There are simply too many other pressing needs across the roster.

Those needs are especially glaring at tackle. The team is dealing with a devastating knee injury at left tackle, while the right tackle position is occupied by a veteran who is clearly long in the tooth. Given those realities and the number of holes throughout the roster, it makes little sense to allocate a premium pick to a tight end this year.

In my view, drafting a tight end anywhere in this draft does not provide real value. If you are looking for a true upgrade at the position, the first round is realistically the only place to find one. And with so many more critical needs, it simply is not worth it.

I think Ja’Tavion Sanders still has room to grow this season, and Tommy Tremble remains extremely solid in his role, particularly as a blocker. I also believe Mitchell Evans has some upside heading into his second year. Anyone the Panthers might draft in rounds three through six would not be an upgrade over what they already have.

This philosophy is consistent with the organization’s long standing approach. Regardless of coaching staff or front office regime, the Panthers have never placed a high value on drafting tight ends early. If you go back to the 2007 draft, they had the opportunity to select Greg Olsen and instead chose Jon Beason, a decision that perfectly encapsulates how this franchise has historically viewed the position.

Wide World of Wide Receivers

The Panthers’ wide receiver room is heading into the 2026 season with what should be a solid foundation, though it’s far from ideal. The emergence of rookie Tetairoa “T Mac” McMillan gives the group a legitimate building block, and it appears Jalen Coker is poised to step into the No. 2 role behind him.

The biggest disappointment heading into Year Three has been Xavier Legette’s lack of development. At this point, it feels less physical and more mental, as if the game has gotten into his head. At this point, he can’t be counted on.

That makes it encouraging to hear Dan Morgan emphasize the need for a receiver who can take a five yard pass the distance, something this offense clearly lacks right now.

Jimmy Horn was a good sixth round pick and does have some upside based on his burst and athleticism, but it remains wildly unknown what level he can ultimately play at. The Panthers still need someone with greater upside, whether that comes from a rookie or a veteran addition.

I don’t expect the Panthers to address wide receiver in the first round again, especially after spending first round picks at the position in each of the past two drafts. Still, this roster needs to further round out the receiver room with complementary pieces who bring speed and yards after catch ability. I also believe it’s important that Brycen Tremayne has a spot on the roster in 2026. He provides depth and, perhaps more importantly, contributes on special teams, adding value beyond just the receiving game.

And while McMillan looks like a long term answer, it’s worth remembering that a second year slump is always possible. Once the league has a full year of tape, defenses adjust quickly. If a player doesn’t adapt to the small details in Year Two, production can dip in a hurry. Depth and versatility at wide receiver will be critical to insulating the offense from that risk.

Running into Unknowns

The Carolina Panthers’ running back situation is far trickier than it appears and in many ways it is entirely self inflicted.

Chuba Hubbard is expected to resume his role as the clear number one back in 2026, but it remains to be seen whether he can consistently perform as a true lead back over a full season. Rico Dowdle has already stated he is seeking a featured role and a bigger payday, making his return unlikely. Trevor Etienne could see an expanded role in his second season, but projecting him as more than a complementary piece at this stage would be premature.

The biggest variable, however, is Jonathan Brooks and the decision that brought him to Carolina.

No matter how good Brooks may ultimately become, the Panthers made a significant mistake by using a second round pick on a running back they did not need at the time. Hubbard was already a solid, cost controlled option, and the roster had far more pressing long term needs at premium positions. Linebacker depth was thin, the secondary needed another starting caliber safety, and the offensive line, particularly at center, was an obvious concern. Instead of addressing those areas with players like Jackson Powers Johnson or other Day 2 prospects, Carolina invested premium draft capital in the most replaceable position in football.

That decision now looms larger than ever. Brooks is entering his third season having played fewer than five career snaps and coming off two ACL injuries. While he flashed promise in extremely limited action, availability, not talent, is now the defining issue. The Panthers are effectively being asked to hope that a player who has barely been on the field can become the answer behind Hubbard.

When you add it all together, this is the real problem. With the Panthers needing significant help at linebacker, another starting safety, and depth across nearly every position group, running back should have been one of the few spots they did not have to worry about. Instead, based on what is returning, it is yet another uncertainty.

For a team already short on margin for error, being forced to revisit the running back position through the draft, free agency, or both is a roster building failure. It is a dilemma that did not need to exist and one that underscores how a single misallocation of resources can ripple across multiple seasons.

The Bryce is Right?

The Carolina Panthers have a bigger problem at quarterback than many care to admit. To his credit, General Manager Dan Morgan said the right thing this week, but more on that in a moment.

Bryce Young is far from a lock to be the Panthers quarterback for the next decade. After three seasons, the evaluation is becoming clearer. There are moments when Young can lead a team to victory. There are flashes of poise, accuracy, and command. But it is equally clear that his physical limitations prevent him from carrying a team the way Cam Newton once did, even when Cam was surrounded by a shortage of elite playmakers.

That brings us back to Dan Morgan’s comments. Morgan indicated the Panthers need a younger backup quarterback, someone who can develop and, importantly, push Bryce Young. Andy Dalton filled the veteran backup role admirably over the past three seasons, but his lone start this year made it obvious. The game has passed him by.

This is where the real conundrum emerges. Bryce Young has all the makings of a coach killer. The weight of being the number one overall pick, and the massive price the organization paid to select him, will always hang over the franchise. Fair or not, quarterbacks taken at that slot are expected to elevate teams, not require ideal conditions to function.

For years, the refrain has been that Bryce needs more help around him. Yet Cam Newton rarely had that luxury. Outside of an aging Steve Smith and a consistently excellent, borderline great, Greg Olsen, Cam often dragged undermanned offenses to relevance through sheer force of will.

The Panthers appear committed to Young for 2026 and likely 2027. That much seems settled. But his ceiling also appears increasingly defined. The prudent path forward is to draft a younger quarterback and develop him, someone who could eventually grow into a competent NFL starter if Young stalls.

The reality, however, is uncomfortable. What we saw this past season is likely the best case scenario over the next two years. The highs, like the Atlanta game where Bryce looked worthy of his draft slot, and the lows, like Seattle, where he appeared overwhelmed. That level of inconsistency is simply not good enough.

It would not be surprising to see Carolina target a quarterback early in a future draft, not 2026. But if the results remain similar, an even bigger problem arises. The Panthers will likely find themselves drafting in the middle of the pack once again. That means another major trade haul would be required to move up, effectively restarting the entire process that put the franchise in this position to begin with.

And that may be the most concerning part of all.

What’s Next?

The Carolina Panthers’ season ended Saturday with a near-upset of a Super Bowl favorite. Early on, things looked bleak, but the Panthers stormed back, took the lead, and ultimately fell just short. While the final result was disappointing, the return of playoff football to Charlotte was a positive development for the organization and the fan base.

Now the offseason begins, and Carolina has significant work to do.

The most immediate concern is left tackle. Ikem Ekwonu’s knee injury, expected to sideline him for six to twelve months, creates a major question mark on the offensive line. Taylor Moton’s extension secures the right side through 2026, but the tackle position must be addressed early in the draft.

Defensively, this team needs star power in the middle. For an organization long defined by elite middle linebackers, that position currently lacks a true playmaker. Christian Rozeboom is a solid depth piece, and Trevin Wallace offers similar production with more upside, but neither fits the mold of the impact player the Panthers have historically relied upon.

The secondary has similar issues. Trevon Moehrig is a quality safety, but the defense needs a true centerfielder who can roam deep and change games. Latham Ransom is another solid player, yet his skill set overlaps too much with Moehrig’s. Variety and range on the back end are missing.

Offensively, the Panthers still need a legitimate deep threat on the outside. Just as important, they must be willing to call and throw those shots during games to force defenses to respect the vertical passing attack and open up the field.

All things considered, the season was a success because it represented real progress. But windows close quickly in the NFL. The 2015 Panthers are a reminder of how fast fortunes can change. This offseason needs to be a home run. Miss, and Carolina risks slipping back into the cellar, looking like the same old Panthers instead of a team ready to take the next step.

Playoff Prediction: Rams at Panthers

By most measures, this season has been a success. Yes, a winning record would have been nice. Yes, Bryce taking a bigger step forward would be more reassuring for the long-term future. But this organization needed this season.

There is plenty to unpack about this team, and there will be a long offseason to do it. I think that offseason starts tonight. I like the Rams in this one, 31–13. Bryce will leave us with more questions than answers.

Prediction: Panthers at Bucs

It all comes down to this afternoon. The Panthers head to Tampa with just about everything on the line, though they do have tomorrow’s insurance policy, one they are hoping not to cash. This is a tough spot. Beating a divisional opponent twice is never easy, and doing it on the road with so much at stake is an even taller order for such a young team.

It is also hard to have much optimism about the passing offense based on Bryce’s 54 yard performance last week, albeit against a Super Bowl contender. I think Baker Mayfield makes a little magic against a team he clearly despises. Mike Evans has a huge day. The Panthers struggle to get the run game going against Tampa’s style of run defense and fail to fully exploit a banged up and vulnerable Buccaneers secondary.

In the end, I see it finishing Tampa 27, Carolina 17. Then, to make matters worse, the Saints ruin the season by beating the Falcons tomorrow, an Atlanta team that looks dangerously thin on offense outside of Bijan Robinson.

Prediction: Seahawks at Carolina

No matter what happens over the next two weeks, this season should be viewed as a success for the Carolina Panthers, or at least a sign that the organization is moving in the right direction. That said, I’m still not convinced they have found their franchise quarterback.

A fourth season for Bryce Young could bring the increased consistency the team is hoping for, but if that happens, the Panthers will quickly face the difficult reality of having to pay to keep him. I continue to have concerns about some of his outlier traits, though Young does appear to be trending in the right direction. That is especially notable considering his rookie year was essentially wasted in terms of meaningful development.

Today’s game against Seattle will be extremely challenging. The Seahawks have a lot to play for, while this is effectively a meaningless game for the Panthers, assuming the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take care of business against Miami and a late-round rookie quarterback. Given the circumstances, I expect Seattle to come out on top, winning 23–17.

Prediction: Bucs at Panthers

The Panthers have a real opportunity to do something meaningful tomorrow. They can respond to last week’s loss, steady themselves, and once again take control of their own fate. For a young team searching for consistency, this is exactly the type of moment that can signal real progress.

There is also the uncomfortable reality hanging over this matchup. Baker Mayfield is 5-0 against Carolina since leaving in 2022. That history alone is enough to test the confidence of any fan base. Maybe this is the week the Panthers finally flip the script. Maybe this is the game where they show they have learned how to finish.

But they are not there yet.

Tampa does not need to dominate to win this game. They will quietly control the tempo, limit mistakes, and take advantage of Carolina’s inconsistencies. The Panthers will make a few plays and keep things interesting just long enough to create a sense of hope, but it will never truly feel in doubt.

This is part of the process for a rebuilding team. The flashes are real, but the consistency is not.

Final score Tampa Bay 28, Carolina 17.

Coaching, Not Talent, Cost the Panthers on Sunday

Sunday’s game against the Saints should not have shocked anyone who has watched this team all season. What was shocking was Ejiro Evero’s outright refusal to adjust defensively at the end of the game, and even more surprising was Dave Canales allowing it to continue. What did they think was going to happen when you are conceding 12 to 15 yards per play?

Yes, the penalties hurt, but poor coaching decisions ultimately cost the Panthers their outright lead in the NFC South. I never believed this was a true playoff team, even during the last several weeks. Playoff teams show some level of consistency, and this team simply does not have it.

I expect the Panthers to split with the Buccaneers, but only because Tampa Bay is likely to rest starters in Week 18, not because Carolina has suddenly turned a corner.

Prediction: Panthers at Saints

The Panthers travel to New Orleans with a lot on the line. Tampa Bay has dropped its second straight game to this same Saints team the Panthers face on Sunday and then unexpectedly lost again in the Thursday night matchup against the Falcons. Everything appears to be lining up for a playoff push, which is exactly why I don’t think this team gets it done.

A rookie quarterback getting the best of them in front of a loud home crowd will be too much for the Panthers to overcome. This is still a team that lacks the week-to-week consistency needed to be a true playoff contender. I believe the Panthers are about a year away, and when the moment gets big, they come up short.

Because of that, I like the Saints in this one, 28-23.

Prediction: Rams at Panthers

After the uninspired, poor performance game on Monday that included a boat load of injuries and a suspension, the Panthers limp into the final game before the bye week. 

On another note, all teams’ bye weeks should be between weeks 7 through 10. 

Before the break, the team gets the best team in the NFL. This doesn’t farewell for the Panthers. I don’t expect this one to be close. If you would’ve asked me before the season if I would take 6-7 before the bye week and still be in contention for a playoff spot, I would’ve taken it all day long. There have been some highs and lows to this season, but the Panthers are on track for what they want out of it: to build for 2026. This week won’t be pretty as the Rams put up 34 points while the Panthers only muster 13.