CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers aren't heading to the postseason, but they believe they’ve finally found a franchise quarterback in Bryce Young, a player who could potentially turn their fortunes around and help them become a competitive force in the NFL.
Young, who was drafted by the Panthers with the first overall pick, has shown tremendous promise in his rookie season, displaying the skills and poise that made him a highly touted prospect coming out of college. With his exceptional arm strength, accuracy, and ability to extend plays with his legs, Young has given the Panthers a spark that they have been missing for years.
However, despite Young's impressive play, the Panthers still struggled to win games consistently, largely due to their porous defense, which ranked last in the league in terms of total yards allowed per game. The team's inability to stop opponents from scoring has been a major concern, and it's an area that the Panthers' front office will likely address in the offseason.
The Panthers' defense has been plagued by a lack of talent, depth, and consistency, which has made it difficult for them to compete with the top teams in the league. The team has struggled to rush the quarterback, stop the run, and cover receivers, which has resulted in a plethora of big plays and scoring opportunities for opponents.
To fix their defensive woes, the Panthers will likely look to free agency and the draft to bring in new talent and bolster their depth chart. The team may target top defensive free agents, such as edge rushers, cornerbacks, and safeties, who can provide an immediate impact and help to shore up their leaky defense.
In addition to adding new players, the Panthers may also look to change their defensive scheme and philosophy, which could involve switching to a different base defense or incorporating more exotic blitz packages. The team may also look to hire a new defensive coordinator, who can bring a fresh perspective and help to implement a more effective game plan.
While the Panthers' defense is a major concern, the team's offense has shown flashes of brilliance, thanks in large part to Young's play. The rookie quarterback has developed a strong rapport with his receivers, including star wideout D.J. Moore, and has shown the ability to make plays with his legs and extend drives with his feet.
As the Panthers look to rebuild and become a competitive force in the NFL, they will likely focus on surrounding Young with more talent and building a strong supporting cast. The team may look to add a top running back, a tight end, and more depth at the wide receiver position, which could help to take some of the pressure off Young and make the offense more explosive.
Overall, while the Panthers' season may not have ended the way they had hoped, the team is optimistic about their future, thanks to the emergence of Bryce Young. With a franchise quarterback in place, the Panthers can now focus on rebuilding their defense and surrounding Young with the talent and depth needed to compete with the top teams in the league.