Artwork by Jason Iwara
By Jason Iwara
Including the preseason, the Panthers opened up what would look like another underwhelming season with five straight losses.
In the first two regular season games, turnaround quarterback Bryce Young threw for 4 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and 482 yards. His call with famous music artist Rod Wave halfway through the previous year was seemingly enough to force out bits of success for that season. However, it seemed that this breakout quarterback had returned to mediocrity.
Thankfully, the Panthers remedied that mediocre start by winning 5 of their next seven games, placing them at 5-4. However, since the second game, Young hadn’t hit the 200 yard mark. He’d thrown 7 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Somehow, that’d been enough to take down Goliaths like the Green Bay Packers and better-than-expected Dallas Cowboys alike.
On Nov. 16, the Panthers marched into Mercedes-Benz stadium and defeated the Atlanta Falcons in a 30-27 overtime victory. Young broke the franchise’s single game passing record, previously held by Cam Newton, with a 448-yard performance. Panthers rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan collected 130 yards and 2 touchdowns on only 8 receptions.
The week before, they’d lost to the New Orleans Saints, arguably one of the worst teams in the entire NFL. The week after, they’d lose to an injured but resilient San Francisco 49ers.
A standout yet inconsistent quarterback is usually not enough to defeat a complete offense and defense, one that the Los Angeles Rams had. However, in an incredible shootout, the Panthers upset the NFC’s #1 seed.
Since that feat, the Panthers have returned to mediocrity, losing to the Saints again. So, are they actually any good? I personally don’t think this year is their year, as it ends with two games against the Buccaneers who’ve stayed on their heels since losing the top spot. Unless Bryce decides to have multiple career games consecutively, I don’t see how they’ll go any farther than the first round.
