Cat Scratch Reader
With just 4 games left in the 2024 season, the Panthers have a prime opportunity to change the narrative
After a dismal beginning to the Carolina Panthers season, the narratives surrounding the team have taken an unexpected turn for the better. With four games left, the story of the season feels mostly written, but a renewed sense of optimism surrounds the team in a way that hasn’t been around since at least the waning moments of the 2022 season. Even the sportsbooks have started to believe in the Panthers, as they are favored to win for the first time after 33 games.
Despite being less than a quarter of the season, these last four games will likely be what defines the whole first year of the Dave Canales and Dan Morgan era. The offseason narratives and the vibe around the players and coaches relies on finishing strong, instead of with a pitiful whimper.
More than a half-decade’s worth of losing has most fans hesitant to believe the Panthers are on the verge of escaping the basement of the NFL standings, but there are a few things that could make the difference in boosting fan confidence going forward:
An offseason of hope and optimism surrounding the 2023 first overall pick came crashing down at terminal velocity after Youngs first pass of 2024 was intercepted, and only got worse from there until he was unceremoniously benched after 2 starts. After Week 2, Young’s PFF grade was at a 30.1 for the season - 13 whole points lower than the 2nd worst graded quarterback. Young returned in Week 8 and in that stretch of games holds the 17th best grade (78.1) among passers with at least 50 attempts, an almost unimaginable improvement - certainly not one I was expecting. A strong finish to the season for Young allows the Panthers the ability to finally focus on surrounding the quarterback, instead of burning assets to replace him in yet another hunt for a quarterback.
The 2024 draft class has seen a lot of playing time with varying degrees of success. Receiver Xavier Legette looked promising before a string of games with crucial mistakes in clutch moments. A breakout 100+ yard game and finally connecting with Young on a downfield route, that isn’t a comeback, would be a nice start. Ja’Tavion Sanders and Jalen Coker picking up where they left off prior to suffering some injuries would help Morgan cross a few items off the offseason shopping list. Same goes for Trevin Wallace and Chau Smith-Wade proving they belong in the NFL, at linebacker and nickel cornerback respectively. The Panthers finally have a draft class that looks to be loaded with actual NFL players, but their performances down the stretch will dictate what Morgan and the rest of the front office will do over the spring.
The defense started off the season trending towards being one of the worst of all...
