Webster’s Dictionary defines an oxymoron as a figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction. For example, the humblebrag is an oxymoron. A lying truth is an oxymoron, and so is skinny fat.
The Carolina Panthers had a winning loss on Sunday. The offense managed to gain 303 total net yards for the first time since Week 5. The defense contained a New Orleans Saints offense to only 207 net yards, only to lose 28-3 and fall to 1-12 on the season. Here are more observations from Week 14.
Run When It’s One
On two occasions, Carolina decided to go for it on fourth-and-1 to extend the drive. Instead of running, they chose to pass and ended up turning the ball over to the Saints.
After the game, quarterback Bryce Young told reporters that the offense was looking to be aggressive in the passing game. The Panthers’ desire for more downfield shots has been a theme for most of the season.
I understand the intent of passing on fourth-and-1 situations. Defenses are expecting the run, and a screen pass, or play action variations keeps them off balance. However, running is the option to take especially when the running game is the strength of the unit. It’s tough to go empty in shotgun formation when you have a receiving corps that can’t get separation from opposing secondaries.
Crashing Into The Rookie Wall
In his worst performance as a pro, Young completed only 13 of his 36 attempts for 137 yards for a career-worst 36.1% completion rate. His footwork has been a topic of discussion recently and from what I noticed, he’s looked uncomfortable. He seems more comfortable stepping up in the pocket than he is dropping back. In one of his completions to DJ Chark, Young stepped up into the pocket to make the pass.
Outside of that, Young looked uncomfortable. He was pressured into mistakes and knocked around repeatedly. Since the Panthers’ offensive line struggles to protect the pass and is often outmuscled, Young doesn’t have enough of time to drop step in the pocket.
This has been a trend all season. Without a consistent offensive line, this will be Young’s problem for the final four weeks of a challenging rookie season.
Biding Time
A post on X-formerly Twitter raised many eyebrows hours after the game. A poster insinuated that Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown should be fired. According to his wife, Jessica, it’s already happened allegedly.
“Ummm, we are fired! We just have to stay behind because someone has to call plays. If you guys know someone else to do the next 4 weeks, give Tepper a holler. As if this is FUN for us,” she posted.
Usually, a head coach brings in or hires their coordinators and staff. This is common. What’s not, however, is the timing of this announcement and alleged dismissal.
On one hand, I understand why Brown is still there. It could be that no one else wants to assume this role with only four weeks left. If not that, it doesn’t make sense for interim head coach Chris Tabor to make staff changes.
On the other hand, why stick around for the remainder of a season that’s going nowhere? Why not begin cleaning house early?
At 1-12, the Panthers had heartbreaking losses, shameful losses, and even a winning loss. The next few might just be soothing to a fanbase that just wants the pain of watching this team freefall week after week to end.
