“Panthers Struggling on Offense, Owner Frustrated with Lack of Progress”
The Carolina Panthers are facing a tough season as they currently hold a 1-8 record, tied for the worst in the NFL. This also marks the worst nine-game start in franchise history. However, their struggles are further compounded by the fact that they don’t have their first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft due to a previous trade with the Bears.
Despite their poor record, most NFL executives and coaches believe it’s too early to judge rookie quarterback Bryce Young, who was selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft. The organization had unanimous support for Young, with scouts, coaches, the head coach, general manager, and owner all believing he was the right choice based on their research and in-person meetings.
While the consensus remains that Young is the future of the franchise, there are concerns about the lack of support he is receiving. The offense has been criticized for being “boring,” “predictable,” and “lifeless.” Panthers owner David Tepper is reportedly frustrated with the offense’s lack of improvement and some believe that the roster hasn’t been built correctly.
Head coach Frank Reich, who was hired for his offensive success with the Philadelphia Eagles, has the largest staff in the NFL. However, the offense has failed to live up to expectations, leading to calls for more progress and development.
If the second half of the season mirrors the first, changes are expected to be made within the organization. Ownership wants to see an offense that utilizes Young’s strengths and resembles the successful offense he ran at the University of Alabama.
Reich, who is in the first year of a four-year contract, works for an owner known for his impatience. Tepper has fired multiple coaches in his five years of owning the Panthers, and the pressure is on for Reich to turn things around.
In other NFL news, Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson has been a hot topic of discussion in recent weeks. Fans and fantasy managers have been questioning why he hasn’t been used more in the red zone. However, the Falcons remain confident in Robinson and expect him to play a bigger role in the second half of the season.
The New York Jets are standing by quarterback Zach Wilson despite mounting pressure to make a change. The team believes Wilson has the most upside among their quarterbacks and is focused on making the playoffs.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has returned to practice after missing four games with a hamstring injury. Although he is not yet fully healthy, the team expects him to be back in action after their Week 13 bye.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with a thumb injury but is expected to return after the team’s bye week. The Rams signed Carson Wentz as a backup, but it does not indicate any significant issues with Stafford.
The Cincinnati Bengals, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, have won four games in a row and are facing a tough challenge against the Houston Texans. The Bengals’ defense will be tested by the Texans’ strong passing offense and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Ravens rookie running back Keaton Mitchell has impressed with his performance, but he is currently dealing with a hamstring injury. The team remains optimistic that he will be able to play.
Lastly, the Buffalo Bills are facing criticism for their offensive struggles, with the blame falling on offensive coordinatorCarolina Panthers Struggle in NFL Draft Positioning Season
The Carolina Panthers are having a tough season, currently tied for the worst record in football at 1-8. This is also tied for the worst nine-game start in franchise history. However, their struggles are further compounded by the fact that they don’t have their first-round pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
The Panthers sent their 2024 first-round pick to the Bears as part of a deal to acquire the 2023 No. 1 pick, quarterback Bryce Young. While many NFL executives and coaches believe it’s too early to judge Young after only nine games, there is frustration within the organization regarding the offense’s lack of improvement.
Panthers owner David Tepper is reportedly unhappy with the offense, which some describe as “boring,” “predictable,” and “lifeless.” There are concerns that the roster hasn’t been built correctly and that the offense needs significant improvement. The defense and special teams, however, have received praise from ownership.
Head coach Frank Reich, who was hired based on his offensive success with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, is under scrutiny. Reich has the largest staff in the NFL, with assistants from various backgrounds and philosophies. The expectation was that this diverse group would create an explosive offense, but so far, it has been a disappointment.
There is a growing sentiment within the organization that ownership wants to see more progress on offense. If the second half of the season mirrors the first half, changes may be on the horizon. Reich is in the first year of a four-year contract, but Tepper has a reputation for impatience and has fired multiple coaches in the past.
The Panthers are hoping to see an offense that showcases Young’s strengths and resembles the offense he executed at the University of Alabama. The team wants to see more creativity, cleaner route running, and play calling that instills confidence and creates momentum.
In other NFL news, Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson has been a topic of discussion in recent weeks. Fans and fantasy managers have been questioning why coach Arthur Smith hasn’t utilized Robinson more in the red zone. However, sources indicate that the Falcons have not given up on Robinson and believe he will have more opportunities in the second half of the season.
The New York Jets are standing by quarterback Zach Wilson and have no plans to bench him unless there is a disaster. Despite mounting pressure to make a change at the position, the Jets believe Wilson has the most upside among their quarterbacks. Their goal remains to make the playoffs and potentially have Aaron Rodgers return.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is back on the practice field after missing four games with a hamstring injury. While he is not yet 100 percent healthy, the team expects him to return around Week 13 or sooner.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with a thumb injury but is expected to play in Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks. The Rams signed Carson Wentz as a backup, but it does not indicate any significant issues with Stafford.
Lastly, the Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a win against the Buffalo Bills and have won four games in a row. Quarterback Joe Burrow’s impact on the team’s defense has been notable, and they face a tough challenge against the Houston Texans’ pass offense this week.
Overall, the NFL season continues to bring excitement and challenges for teams across the league.