It has been a tough time for Carolina Panthers fans lately. They have had just one playoff appearance since losing to the Denver Broncos in Superbowl 50 in 2015. That was a wildcard round loss to division rivals New Orleans Saints in 2017. That was also their only winning season since they went unbeaten in the regular season nine years ago.
Since the initial departure of franchise quarterback Cam Newton in March 2020, Carolina has failed to locate an adequate replacement. A flurry of injuries and unrest behind the scenes led to Newton being released just before COVID.
Carolina Panthers drafted Newton number one overall in the 2011 draft. He took the team to a Super Bowl and was consistently one of the league’s most entertaining and athletic quarterbacks for nearly a decade. His running ability made him a dual threat, and this dynamic was effectively used to deceive opposition teams throughout his prime.
Embed from Getty ImagesCarolina Panthers Critical Decision: 2023 Draft’s Number One Pick
Jump to the 2023 draft, where the Panthers had the first pick. There was a lot of discussion about who they should choose. The top two prospects were Bryce Young and CJ Stroud. It was a crucial decision for David Tepper, the Panthers’ owner. They needed to get it right. This was their chance to find a new star quarterback since Cam Newton joined the team over ten years ago.
The Carolina Panthers selected Bryce Young with the number one overall pick in the 2023 draft. The Houston Texans drafted Stroud second overall. Stroud excelled, and Young struggled. Speculation followed, but you cannot begin to analyse succinctly until Young and Stoud competed in the NFL. Their rookie season was polarising, arguably due to the coaching and talent surrounding each quarterback.
Receivers and offensive linemen can help a quarterback perform better. While one season isn’t enough to judge a player’s career, it might hint at a big mistake in Carolina’s history. Tepper hopes for better results, but Stroud’s immediate success made the Panthers’ decision-makers nervous.
Embed from Getty ImagesRebuilding for Bryce Young: Strengthening the Offensive Line
The Carolina Panthers have spent the offseason rebuilding their roster to accommodate Bryce Young and his play style. When protected, Young hones agility and accuracy, so the number one solution is protection. They signed former Dolphin Robert Hunt back in the spring to bolster the interior and prohibit pass rushers from easily reaching Young.
They also acquired Diontae Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers to add to their receiving corps. Adam Thielen carried the receiving group last season, but depth is essential. Everyone knows that Carolina is in a rebuilding phase, which can take multiple years. Fans need to be patient. And under new coach Dave Canales, fans yearn for even the slightest positive upturn.
Only time will tell. But, in the NFC South, an objectively weak division compared to the rest of the league, the Panthers have a chance to cause upsets and be an enthusiastic team as Young and company continue to develop. How will the 2024 first-round QBs perform in the NFL?