In a league that thrives on offensive fireworks, the Carolina Panthers’ attack has found itself labeled as one of the least explosive, ranking 29th overall. Analysts are looking closely at the trio of young talents — Bryce Young, Tetairoa McMillan, and Chuba Hubbard — and not finding a lot to rave about.
Let’s break it down: Bryce Young, after a rocky start that saw him briefly benched in favor of veteran Andy Dalton, managed to find his footing during the latter part of last season. From Week 8 onward, Young became more than just a game manager, ranking 18th in EPA (Expected Points Added) per dropback. This late resurgence offers a glimmer of hope for Panthers fans.
However, the overall ranking still suffers from the inconsistency of Hubbard as the starting running back. While he had one impressive season, his two less-than-stellar campaigns create a bit of doubt about his reliability. The Panthers need him to elevate his game to ensure a more balanced offensive attack.
On the receiving end, Carolina is putting its faith in McMillan, a rookie who steps in as the primary pass-catcher. For a first-year player, adapting to the NFL pace is no small feat. McMillan will need to quickly acclimate to quarterback Young’s style to spark some much-needed chemistry in a struggling offense.
Interestingly, Carolina isn’t just at the bottom by themselves; they trail behind only three other teams: the Browns, Saints, and Colts. Each of those teams has faced their own scoring struggles, which can be a tough reality check for the Panthers. It’s a harsh situation, especially when you consider that teams like the Titans, Giants, and Steelers, who’ve also had their share of offensive woes, are positioned above Carolina in the rankings.
As Young gears up for his second professional season, the pressure is on. While his late-season performance hinted at potential, it hasn’t been enough to lift the spirits of analysts, who still have questions about the Panthers’ offensive capabilities as they begin the new campaign. It’s clear that for Carolina, it’s more than just a rankings issue; it’s about showcasing growth and finding a rhythm that can bring them back into contention.
