Carolina Panthers | NFC South
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Head Coach:
- Dave Canales (1st season)
Key Additions:
- Diontae Johnson (WR)
- Xavier Legette (WR) – Rookie
- Robert Hunt (RG)
- Damien Lewis (LG)
- Jadeveon Clowney (DE)
Key Departures:
- DJ Chark (WR)
- Frankie Luvu (LB)
- Donte Jackson (CB)
- Hayden Hurst (TE)
Last Season’s Results and Notes (2023):
- Overall Record: 2-15
- ATS Record: 5-11-1 ATS
- O/U Record: 7-10 O/U
- Divisional Games: 0-6 1H O/U and 1-5 O/U
- 1-6-1 O/U as home underdogs.
Last Season’s Ranks (2023):
- EPA/play (offense): 29th
- Rush EPA (offense): 24th
- Pass EPA (defense): 30th
- EPA/play allowed (defense): 26th
- Rush EPA (defense): 32nd
- Pass EPA (defense): 17th
- Plays per game: 10th
- Seconds per snap (lowest to highest): 21st
2024 Season Schedule:
- Week 1: Saints (Away)
- Week 2: Chargers (Home)
- Week 3: Raiders (Away)
- Week 4: Bengals (Home)
- Week 5: Bears (Away)
- Week 6: Falcons (Home)
- Week 7: Commanders (Away)
- Week 8: Broncos (Away)
- Week 9: Saints (Home)
- Week 10: Giants (Neutral)
- Week 11: Bye
- Week 12: Chiefs (Home)
- Week 13: Buccaneers (Home)
- Week 14: Eagles (Away)
- Week 15: Cowboys (Home)
- Week 16: Cardinals (Home)
- Week 17: Buccaneers (Away)
- Week 18: Falcons (Away)
Commentary:
Last season was a challenging one for the Panthers, as rookie quarterback and number one overall pick Bryce Young struggled to find his footing, leading to a disappointing 2-15 record. However, the Panthers have made significant strides in the offseason to bolster their roster, giving fans a reason to be cautiously optimistic.
The addition of wide receiver Diontae Johnson provides Young with a reliable target who excels in creating separation and moving the chains. Rookie Xavier Legette adds youthful energy and potential to the receiving corps, possibly emerging as a playmaker in his debut season. On the offensive line, the Panthers have invested in protecting their young quarterback by bringing in Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, both of whom are expected to stabilize the interior line and give Young more time to operate.
Defensively, the signing of Jadeveon Clowney brings much-needed pass-rush prowess, although his consistency remains a question. The departure of key players like DJ Chark, Frankie Luvu, and Donte Jackson will be felt, particularly on the defensive side, where the Panthers struggled mightily last season.
The 2024 season offers a fresh start under new head coach Dave Canales, who will be eager to implement his system and culture. After a dismal 2-win season, there is nowhere to go but up, and the development of Bryce Young will be critical to determining just how high the Panthers can rise. This season is all about progress, and if the new additions can gel quickly, the Panthers might surprise a few teams along the way.