It’s something about how tables turn that’s apropos, if not peculiar.
One moment, you are arm in arm with the team owner skipping down the corridor of Bank of America Stadium, imploring everyone involved with your rival Carolina Panthers to “keep stankin.’’ Only to lose at the hands of said rival in Week 18 and miss the playoffs – on the same couch in Cabo stankin’ and reeking of the stench of defeat.
The Panthers end their 2024 campaign on a high note after beating the Atlanta Falcons 44-38 in overtime. The loss, in addition to a Tampa Bay Buccaneer win, eliminated the Falcons from the postseason. Here are some observations from Week 18.
The Right Side Of History
Bryce Young became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to have a game with 250 Passing Yards, three passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns. Young is also the first Panthers quarterback since Cam Newton to score five touchdowns. Young’s progression has been intriguing to watch. In recent weeks, Young has solidified himself as Carolina’s franchise quarterback. His stats have been trending upward and he’s throwing and playing with confidence.
With an offseason that includes more film study, workouts and chemistry building with his young receiver corp, Young’s should continue his progression into next season
The Wrong Side Of History
With the 38 points they allowed on Sunday, the Panthers’ defense breaks the record for most points allowed in a season with 534. The Panthers entered Week 18 having allowed 31 points per game and 396 total yards. Not to mention their porous rushing defense giving up 176.9 rushing yards per game.
Like I said in my previous article, while the unit was compromised with injuries, there’s no excuse for being that bad when there were some missed opportunities for adjustments. Take their game against the Dallas Cowboys as an example. Why not let your best and most consistent secondary player, Jaycee Horn, cover CeeDee Lamb?
Granted, the defense was missing players and it’s the end of the season, however, the point of this unit needing an overhaul still stands.
Draft Order
The Panthers will pick eighth in the upcoming NFL draft. Given the situation on defense, expect Carolina to focus on filling the unit’s needs. If defensive coordinator Eijro Evero survives Black Monday, the Panthers should start by finding a complimentary EDGE rusher to pair with Derrick Brown. The Panthers have multiple picks in this draft, and addressing the EDGE and the D-line should be the main priority.
The Sweetest Spoil: Panthers Dash Falcons’ Playoff Hopes In OT