Carolina Panther’s 2023 campaign was abysmal. They finished 2-15, the NFL’s worst record, while losing out on the top pick in the 2024 draft since the Bears own the selection from the D.J. Moore trade made in the offseason.

2023’s top pick, Bryce Young, had a forgettable season as he failed to reach 3,000 passing yards while tossing 11 touchdowns to 10 interceptions and holding a 59.8 completion percentage. Sitting at 1-10 after week 12’s game in Nashville, coach Frank Reich was dismissed, leaving special teams coordinator Chris Tabor to serve as interim coach. The 2023 Panthers were the first team since the 2008 Cleveland Browns to get shutout in consecutive weeks; they failed to score in weeks 17 and 18. Their wins came on game-winning field goals in the final seconds, and the Panthers never held a fourth-quarter lead in every game.

Former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales was sworn in as the newest Panthers coach, while Dan Morgan was promoted to serve as the next general manager after Scott Fitterer was fired following week 18’s loss.

After contract talks broke down, Carolina shipped linebacker Brian Burns and a 2024 fifth-round selection to the Giants for a 2024 second-rounder and two fifth-round picks. In need of a replacement, Jadeveon Clowney was signed to mentor K’Lavon Chaisson and complement newly signed D.J. Wonnum. The Panthers acquired Diontae Johnson in a trade with Pittsburgh, sending corner Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick in exchange for the receiver and a seventh. Johnson will provide Young with a legitimate deep-threat target. In addition, Carolina boosted their offensive line by bringing in Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis.

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Xavier Legette was taken 32nd overall by the Panthers, who wanted to add another deep threat receiver for Young. Carolina traded up with the Chiefs to nab Legette since he was the best remaining receiver. 2024’s top-rated running back, Jonathon Brooks, slid to Carolina in round two. Brooks is part of an effort to retool the running back room.

The Panthers have the NFL’s third-easiest schedule, highlighted by teams including the Chargers, Bengals, Bears, Chiefs, Eagles and Cowboys. Canales will face his former squad, the Bucs, twice, while Carolina will travel to Munich to play the Giants in week 10, the team’s first-ever game in Germany—this is a chance to see Brian Burns on the other sideline.

With a considerate schedule, Carolina hopes to avoid 2023 at all costs. A guaranteed improvement in record is possible with a revamped offensive line and receiving core. However, nothing’s easy, as the defense would need to rise up to complement the improved offense.

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Week Date Opponent Time (ET)
1 Sept. 8 at New Orleans Saints 1:00 p.m. ET
2 Sept. 15 vs. Los Angeles Chargers 1:00 p.m. ET
3 Sept. 22 at Las Vegas Raiders 4:05 p.m. ET
4 Sept. 29 vs. Cincinnati Bengals 1:00 p.m. ET
5 Oct. 6 at Chicago Bears 1:00 p.m. ET
6 Oct. 13 vs. Atlanta Falcons 4:25 p.m. ET
7 Oct. 20 at Washington Commanders 4:05 p.m. ET
8 Oct. 27 at Denver Broncos 4:25 p.m. ET
9 Nov. 3 vs. New Orleans Saints 1:00 p.m. ET
10 Nov. 10 vs. New York Giants 9:30 a.m. ET
11 Bye
12 Nov. 24 vs. Kansas City Chiefs 1:00 p.m. ET
13 Dec. 1 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4:05 p.m ET
14 Dec. 8 at Philadelphia Eagles 1:00 p.m. ET
15 Dec. 15 vs. Dallas Cowboys 1:00 p.m. ET
16 Dec. 22 vs. Arizona Cardinals 1:00 p.m. ET
17 Dec. 29 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1:00 p.m. ET
18 TBD at Atlanta Falcons TBD

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Christian Bongiorno

Article by Christian Bongiorno

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