Carolina Panthers 2024 Preview

The Carolina Panthers head into the 2024 NFL season with tempered expectations, as their win total is set at just 5.5. After a rough 2023 campaign, the Panthers made several significant changes, most notably bringing in former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales as their new head coach.

The focus will be on the development of quarterback Bryce Young, who struggled in his rookie season but has the potential to turn things around under Canales’ guidance.

Key Insights and Team Overview

The Panthers are in the midst of a rebuild, with a young quarterback at the helm and several new faces on both sides of the ball. The goal for 2024 is to show improvement, particularly on offense, and lay the foundation for future success.

Quarterback: Bryce Young’s Development is Key

Bryce Young’s Rookie Struggles:

Rough Start: Bryce Young had a challenging rookie season, with a low 70s passer rating, just 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also averaged only 179 passing yards per game, indicating that the Panthers’ offense struggled to move the ball effectively.
Canales’ Impact: Dave Canales is tasked with helping Young develop into the franchise quarterback the Panthers hoped for when they selected him first overall. Canales’ experience in working with young quarterbacks could be crucial in Young’s progression.

Supporting Cast:

Adam Thielen: The veteran receiver was Young’s top target last season, catching over 100 passes for more than 1,000 yards. While Thielen is reliable, the Panthers need more weapons to take the pressure off him.
New Additions:
- Deontay Johnson: The former Steeler comes in as a reliable target, having put up over 700 yards in 2023.
- Xavier Legette: Drafted in the first round, Legette brings size and physicality to the receiving corps, potentially offering Young a big, vertical weapon.
- Jonathan Mingo: The second-year receiver will also play a role, after contributing over 400 yards last season.
Running Game:
- Jonathan Brooks: The rookie running back is expected to take on a significant role, potentially becoming the Panthers’ most talented runner.
- Chuba Hubbard: Hubbard was the team’s leading rusher last year with over 900 yards, but his 3.8 yards per carry average leaves room for improvement.

Offensive Line: Protecting the Franchise

O-Line Struggles:

Protection Issues: The Panthers’ offensive line was a weak point in 2023, allowing the second-most sacks in the league. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu particularly struggled, giving up 15.5 sacks.
New Faces: To address these issues, Carolina brought in two new guards, Robert Hunt from Miami and Damien Lewis from Seattle, both of whom had solid seasons last year. These additions should help shore up the interior line, giving Young more time to operate.

Defensive Changes: A New Look Under Raheem Morris

Defensive Outlook:

Solid Against the Run: The Panthers were respectable against the run last season, holding opponents to 4.1 yards per carry.
Pass Defense Needs Work: Despite allowing just 171 passing yards per game, the Panthers struggled to generate turnovers and sacks, ranking last in the league in both categories.

Key Departures and Additions:

Brian Burns Trade: The Panthers traded away their top pass rusher, Brian Burns, who had eight sacks last season. This leaves a significant void in their pass rush.
New Additions:
- Jadeveon Clowney: Clowney comes in to replace Burns, bringing his own 9.5 sacks from last season with Baltimore.
- DJ Wonnum: The former Viking is another new addition, coming off an eight-sack season.
- Josie Jewell: The Panthers added the veteran linebacker from Denver, who had over 100 tackles and three sacks in 2023.
- A’Shawn Robinson: The former Giant adds run-stopping ability to the defensive line.

Secondary Overhaul:

New Look: The Panthers made several changes in their secondary, bringing in safety Jordan Fuller to replace Vonn Bell, and swapping out cornerbacks Dante Jackson and CJ Henderson for Great Dane Jackson and Troy Hill.
JC Horn: Horn remains the star of the secondary, but his ability to stay healthy will be crucial for Carolina’s defensive success.

Season Outlook

The Panthers are clearly in a rebuilding phase, with the focus on developing Bryce Young and improving their overall team play. With a mix of young talent and experienced veterans, the Panthers aim to exceed their modest win total and build momentum for the future.

Win Total Floor: 4 Wins

Why? The Panthers have a tough schedule, especially in the first half of the season, and if Young struggles to develop or the offensive line issues persist, it could be another long year for Carolina.

Win Total Ceiling: 8 Wins

Why? If Young shows significant improvement and the new additions on both sides of the ball gel quickly, the Panthers could surprise a few teams and push for a .500 record.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 season is all about progress for the Carolina Panthers. With Bryce Young at the helm and a new coaching staff in place, the focus will be on development and laying the groundwork for future success. While the playoffs might be out of reach this year, Panthers fans can look forward to seeing how their young team grows and improves over the course of the season.

Key Points Recap

Bryce Young is the focal point of the Panthers’ rebuild, and his development under new head coach Dave Canales will be crucial.
New Additions: The Panthers added several new weapons on offense and brought in experienced players on defense to help shore up their weaknesses.
Offensive Line: Protection is a major concern, but the addition of new guards should help improve the line’s performance.
Win Total Floor: 4 Wins | Win Total Ceiling: 8 Wins

Panthers fans should keep their expectations in check, but also look for signs of progress and growth from a team that is building for the future.

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