NFL is BACK! How Will Panthers Do?

The NFL season is upon us, and the Carolina Panthers are at the center of curiosity. After a tough 2023 season with a 2–15 record, the Panthers have reshuffled their entire structure, bringing in fresh faces and strategies to escape the NFC South basement. The 2024 season sees them led by head coach Dave Canales and second-year quarterback Bryce Young, both with a lot to prove. With a revamped roster and a renewed energy, Carolina hopes to reverse last season’s misfortune and contend in a competitive NFC South.

The Big Changes in Carolina

Carolina’s struggles in 2023 left no part of the team untouched. The most significant offseason moves include hiring head coach Dave Canales and bringing in key players on both sides of the ball. However, Carolina’s biggest loss was not having its own first-round pick in the 2024 draft, a selection that went to the Chicago Bears after a previous trade.

At 43 years old, Dave Canales was hired to reshape the Panthers and guide them to success. Previously the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Canales played a significant role in improving Baker Mayfield’s game, leading to Mayfield earning a three-year contract with Tampa Bay. This season, Canales will be tasked with fixing Bryce Young’s performance after a lackluster rookie year where he threw 11 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.

Carolina wasted no time making significant player acquisitions during the offseason. The Panthers brought in notable talents such as linebacker Josey Jewell, edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum, receiver Diontae Johnson, and several other players. These additions aim to provide immediate support to a team that struggled across all phases last year.

The Hiring Canales

Bringing in a first-time head coach like Canales comes with considerable risk, especially for a team that finished with the worst record in the league. Carolina’s decision to hire him marks one of the biggest gambles of the offseason. Canales’ challenge is enormous—he must not only develop Young but also improve the offensive structure and get key players back on track.

Bryce Young’s rookie season was anything but stellar, with just 11 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. The former No. 1 overall pick from Alabama had considerable hype coming into the NFL, but his performance fell short of expectations. The hope is that Canales’ offensive system will provide Young with the tools he needs to significantly improve this season.

Another major focus for Canales will be the development of left tackle Ickey Ekwonu, who had a tough sophomore campaign. His improvement is crucial for Carolina’s offensive line to protect Young and establish a strong running game. If Canales can get both Young and Ekwonu back on track, it could define the team’s success this year.

Panthers’ Toughest Stretch: Weeks 12 to 15

Carolina’s 2024 schedule presents a formidable challenge in Weeks 12 to 15. After their Week 11 bye, the Panthers face the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, followed by divisional rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They then hit the road to take on the Philadelphia Eagles before returning home to face the Dallas Cowboys.

The Week 12 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs is daunting. The Chiefs remain one of the most dominant teams in the NFL, and Carolina will need to bring its best to have any chance of competing with Patrick Mahomes and company.

The Panthers’ first meeting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will follow the Chiefs game, adding to the challenge. Tampa Bay, with Canales’ former team at the helm, will be looking to secure an NFC South victory, which only raises the stakes for this midseason clash.

Breakout Candidate: WR Jonathan Mingo

Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo is a name to watch this season. Drafted in the second round in 2023, Mingo showed flashes of potential during his rookie season, catching 43 passes for 418 yards. His role may expand this year, despite the competition from newly added veterans like Diontae Johnson and rookie Xavier Legette.

With the addition of first-round pick Legette and the aging Adam Thielen, Mingo’s spot on the roster may seem uncertain. However, his talent is undeniable, and with continued development, he could take on a much larger role this season. His ability to perform well could make him one of the most surprising breakout stars in the NFL.

Betting on Mingo’s upside seems like a smart move for the Panthers. While the team is still figuring out its receiving corps, Mingo’s ability to produce in key moments could see him take on starter-level snaps as the season progresses.

Best-Case Scenario: Young’s Development

The best-case scenario for the Panthers is clear: Bryce Young takes a significant leap in his second year, and the team contends for the NFC South title. With the roster now featuring talented additions like Jadeveon Clowney, Josey Jewell, and Diontae Johnson, Carolina could become a surprise contender. North Carolina Promo is made for this special season for the Panthers. 

Last year, Canales helped resurrect Baker Mayfield’s career. If he can work similar magic with Young, the Panthers’ offense could finally come to life. For Carolina, many hinges on Young’s performance, and if he takes a significant step forward, the team could become a playoff threat.

Beyond Young, Carolina’s offseason moves added much-needed talent across the board. If these acquisitions—particularly in the defense—play up to their potential, the Panthers could find themselves in a position to win key games and climb the NFC South standings.

Worst-Case Scenario: Young Stagnates

The other side of the Panthers’ situation is a worst-case scenario in which Bryce Young continues to struggle, and the team falters. Owner David Tepper’s impatience could lead to more instability within the coaching staff, and Canales could be on the hot seat after just one season.

David Tepper is known for his quick decisions and frustration when things are not going well. If Young’s development stalls, and the team fails to improve on last year’s record, Tepper may not hesitate to make yet another coaching change, putting the entire franchise back at square one.

Another year of poor quarterback play could have ripple effects on the entire team. The development of key players like Mingo and Ekwonu could be hindered, and the Panthers’ promising offseason additions may not live up to expectations if the team remains stuck in neutral.

Head Coach and Quarterback Tandem Ranking

In the NFL rankings of head coach-quarterback tandems, Canales and Young are currently sitting near the bottom at No. 31 out of 32 teams. Canales is a first-time head coach, and Young is still trying to recover from a rough rookie year.

Both Canales and Young are under immense pressure to deliver results. For Canales, this is his first opportunity to prove himself as a head coach, while Young must show that he can be the franchise quarterback the Panthers hoped for when they drafted him.

Sleeper Fantasy Pick: Bryce Young

Despite his rough rookie season, Bryce Young has sleeper potential in fantasy football for 2024. The Panthers have surrounded him with more talent, and Canales’ influence on the offense could help young post better numbers.

With new weapons in the passing game, including Diontae Johnson and Jonathon Brooks, Young is in a much better position to succeed. If Canales can unlock Young’s potential, fantasy football players could benefit from picking him as a sleeper quarterback for the 2024 season.

Conclusion: Can the Panthers Turn It Around?

The 2024 season will be critical for the Carolina Panthers. With a new head coach, a second-year quarterback, and a host of fresh faces on the roster, there’s cautious optimism that this team could surprise its critics. However, success will depend on whether Bryce Young can improve, whether Dave Canales can bring structure to the offense, and how well the new acquisitions fit into the team. Only time will tell if the Panthers can make the leap from NFC South bottom-dwellers to contenders.