The season is coming. The DNA of Sports editorial team offers you an update on the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. Today, the Carolina Panthers 2024. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
They didn't get the first pick in the draft because of a trade, but the Panthers were the worst team in the NFL last season. Not enough to give up on the Bryce Young project. But they had to look at how to surround him.
Coach Dave Canales was chosen to try to breathe new life into the franchise. And continue a still fragile reconstruction project.
Last season: 2 wins – 15 losses, 4th in NFC South
Off-season moves
Notable Arrivals: Diontae Johnson (WR), Robert Hunt (OG), DJ Wonnum (DE), Jadeveon Clowney (DE), Damien Lewis (OG), A'Shawn Robinson (DT), Jordan Fuller (S), Josey Jewell ( LB), Junior Aho (DL)
Re-signings: Derrick Brown (DT), Troy Hill (CB), Sam Franklin (S/ST)
Draft: Xavier Legette (WR), Jonathon Brooks (RB), Trevin Wallace (LB), Ja'Tavion Sanders (TE), Chau Smith-Wade (CB), Jaden Crumedy (DT), Michael Barrett (LB).
Notable departures: Brian Burns (DE), Frankie Luvu (LB), DJ Chark (WR), Jeremy Chinn (S), Donte Jackson (CB), Bradley Bozeman (OC), Von Bell (S), Yetur Gross-Matos ( DE), CJ Henderson (CB)
The Panthers have bet their future on quarterback Bryce Young: the number 1 pick in the 2023 draft. So logically for his second year, they are trying to surround him as best they can. During the transfer window, they reinforced his interior protection with guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. The need was clear with a pitcher brought down 62 times in 2023: a franchise record and 31st NFL result (out of 32)!
The 2024 draft also allowed Carolina to give him an additional solution at the three positions with the ball in his hands: receiver Xavier Legette, tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders and runner Jonathon Brooks. With the addition of a coach specializing in the development of quarterbacks, Bryce Young is put in the best conditions.
The 2024 Carolina Panthers All-Star Team
Quarterback: Bryce Young Runner: Chuba Hubbard Receivers: Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo Tight end: Tommy Tremble Offensive line: Ikem Ekwonu, Damien Lewis, Austin Corbett, Robert Hunt, Taylor Moton Kicker: Eddy Piñeiro or Harrison Mevis
Defensive Line: Derrick Brown, A'Shawn Robinson Linebackers: Jadeveon Clowney, Trevin Wallace, Shaq Thompson, DJ Wonnum Cornerbacks: Jaycee Horn, Dane Jackson, Troy Hill (NB) Safeties: Jordan Fuller, Xavier Woods Punter: Johnny Hekker
Carolina Panthers Highlights
Derrick Brown is a top-10 defensive tackle in the NFL. But he's the only player on the roster who can claim such a ranking. The Panthers' roster draws its strength from its coaching staff.
On offense, the Panthers' new strongman is Dave Canales. A receiver in college, it was to coach this position that he was hired at just 29 years old by the Seattle Seahawks in 2010. The quality of his work allowed him to evolve in the staff until 2022: the legendary Pete Carroll did not keep an assistant with him for thirteen seasons by chance!
Last year, Dave Canales brought quarterback Baker Mayfield back to life in Tampa Bay as offensive coordinator. He is assisted by a man who shares his vision of the game: Brad Idzik and he were together in Seattle and the latter also followed him in 2023 to the Buccaneers.
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is regularly considered when a head coaching position becomes available. Officiating in the NFL since the age of 26, he is particularly noticed with the Los Angeles Rams. His excellent work contributes to the final victory during the 2021 season.
And as with Bryce Young on the field, the Panthers have surrounded their defensive coordinator as best they can. Todd Wash now takes care of the defensive line, having had success in that area with Detroit. In addition, the two men have known each other since their years together on Jon Gruden's staff in Tampa Bay at the turn of the century.
And since Ejiro Evero is only 43 years old, the experience of Dom Capers, thirty years his senior, is precious. The one who was the head coach of this franchise for four years (1995-1998), has especially created his reputation as defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers (2009-2017). In 2024, he is a privileged consultant for the defensive side of the ball.
The Carolina Panthers' Weaknesses
Pressuring opposing quarterbacks is paramount in the NFL. Putting them on the ground is even more important because it causes opponents to lose yards. In 2023, the Carolina Panthers had the worst defense in the NFL in this area with only 27 sacks! To make matters worse, they lost their best player in the offseason: Brian Burns is now playing for the New York Giants.
DJ Wonnum is on the rise after four seasons in Minnesota while Jadeveon Clowney brings some experience. But that doesn't seem like enough unless youngsters Amare Barno and DJ Johnson see a spike in growth.
The story is beautiful for offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu: a fan of the franchise, the Panthers recruited him with the 6th pick of the 2022 draft (at 01:01). After a promising initial season, he embarrassed the staff in 2023 by being constantly overmatched: 15 sacks and 10 penalties conceded! Notwithstanding, he has not yet had his 24th birthday. And having played every possible offensive play for two seasons, the experience gained could allow him to take a step up.
Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen have quality. But before their signings in North Carolina, neither were the first option of an attack! The squad is completed by the candids Xavier Legette, Terrace Marshall and Jonathan Mingo. Bryce Young will have to make do with that!
Carolina Panthers X-Factor: Bryce Young (QB)
At the most important position, Bryce Young has not shown the same promise as a CJ Stroud (Houston). Yet led by a quarterback specialist in Frank Reich, he disappointed last year. Less than 3,000 yards thrown, only 11 touchdowns but 10 interceptions and 11 turnovers! For fans of advanced statistics, Bryce Young was in 2023 the 31st NFL quarterback out of 32 in EPA (Expected Points Added)!
To ease the burden on his frail shoulders, the running game should be a major component of the offense in 2024. Coach Dave Canales has said this often since his runner-up finish. In this area, the Panthers can only do better: only one run of more than 22 yards in 2023!
The offseason fleshed out his environment on the field and along the sideline, so Bryce Young could show why he was such a dominant player at the college level. How he progresses will determine the Panthers' 2024 record.
Player to watch: Jaycee Horn (CB)
Since his top 10 draft in 2021, injuries have held Jaycee Horn back from expressing his full talent! While in 2024 he is only starting his fourth season, the Panthers have decided to exercise the option on his 5th year of contract: they are banking on the season of a player in good health and becoming that precious shutdown corner in the NFL.
His athleticism, well above average, makes him a player feared by the best receivers. Also studious in the video room, Jaycee Horn must now increase his level of play on the field.
Carolina Panthers 2024 Schedule
@Saints, Chargers, @Raiders, Bengals, @Bears, Falcons, @Commanders, @Broncos, Saints, Giants, BYE, Chiefs, Buccaneers, @Eagles, Cowboys, Cardinals, @Buccaneers, @Falcons
The NFC South division is not easy! The Falcons may have recovered the missing link to go very far with quarterback Kirk Cousins. Saints and Bucs seem solid despite real limitations. And meeting the NFC East franchises, as well as Chiefs and Bengals, is dangerous for their final record.
The audio preview
In summary
The Panthers' 2024 season should be a so-called transition year. Towards better days? The candor of the 2024 roster should unfortunately not allow them to give more than hope for the future.
