An NFL.com analyst, Kyle Soppe, has drawn an intriguing parallel between the potential maturation of the Carolina Panthers’ offense and the growth trajectory witnessed with the Cincinnati Bengals and quarterback Joe Burrow. This comparison, while optimistic for Panthers fans, carries significant weight given Burrow’s established success and the rapid ascent of the Bengals’ offense in recent years.
Soppe acknowledges that the Panthers’ offense, while showing late-season improvement in 2024, still has considerable ground to cover. He notes that Carolina’s offense improved from being ranked 30th to 24th a season ago, with Bryce Young’s late-season surge being the primary catalyst. Young’s performance in his final 10 games of 2024, where he reportedly threw for 2,104 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions, indicates a growing comfort level and increasing consistency under head coach Dave Canales. This progression, according to Soppe, should be viewed as a very positive sign, even if “not all growth is linear.”
The core of Soppe’s comparison to the Bengals lies in the strategic approach to supporting a young, franchise quarterback. He specifically highlights how the Bengals built their offense around Joe Burrow by providing him with elite weapons. When the Bengals drafted Tee Higgins and then Ja’Marr Chase, they surrounded Burrow with dynamic pass-catching talent, which, as Soppe points out, “often works wonders” and makes the game “easier” for developing quarterbacks.
The Panthers appear to be following a similar blueprint in 2025. After a 2023 season where Bryce Young was saddled with a receiving corps described as “terrible pass-catchers” outside of veteran Adam Thielen, the Panthers have invested heavily in upgrading their weaponry. They added Jalen Coker, David Moore, and Xavier Legette in 2024, which coincided with Young’s initial step forward. For 2025, the significant move was the selection of wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. McMillan is seen as a legitimate “X” receiver with the potential to be a true No. 1 target for Young, allowing Xavier Legette to potentially settle into a more appropriate WR2 role.1 The Panthers are also looking at contributions from other young receivers like Jimmy Horn Jr. and veteran Hunter Renfrow. This deliberate effort to build a “nice group of young wide receivers” for Young to grow with is precisely the kind of strategy that propelled the Bengals’ offense.
The Bengals’ offensive evolution with Joe Burrow wasn’t just about accumulating talent; it was about how that talent integrated into a cohesive, explosive unit. After a challenging rookie year for Burrow, the Bengals’ offense truly blossomed in his second and third seasons. They developed a strong run game, often using play-action from under center to create big plays, and maximized their receivers’ abilities. In 2024, Joe Burrow had an MVP-caliber season, throwing for 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns, showcasing the full potential of a well-supported quarterback.2 The Bengals’ commitment to their offensive core, even investing over $550 million in Burrow, Chase, and Higgins, demonstrates the belief in their offensive strategy. While the Panthers are still in the earlier stages, the parallel is drawn in the intent to provide Bryce Young with the tools he needs to succeed
Dave Canales’ coaching philosophy also aligns with this development-centric approach. Canales is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, having previously worked with Geno Smith in Seattle and Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay, both of whom experienced career resurgences under his guidance.3 His emphasis on protecting the football, developing fundamentals, and creating a “marriage between the run and pass” through simple concepts executed with complexity, provides a structured environment for a young quarterback. He has also stressed the importance of a strong run game to open up the passing attack, which is a hallmark of the Bengals’ approach to offense. The Panthers have indeed bolstered their running back room with additions like Rico Dowdle to complement Chuba Hubbard, behind an offensive line that has seen continuity and significant investment.4 This emphasis on a balanced offense aims to “dissolve the pressure” from Young, allowing him to be the “point guard” rather than being forced to play “Superman” every snap.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that while the trajectory and strategy might be similar, the outcome is far from guaranteed. The Bengals’ success was also predicated on Burrow’s exceptional talent, poise, and intelligence, combined with the dynamic abilities of Ja’Marr Chase, who immediately became one of the league’s most dominant receivers. For the Panthers to truly “come of age as a collective” like the Bengals, Bryce Young will need to continue his individual growth at an accelerated pace, and the new receiving talents, especially Tetairoa McMillan, must quickly translate their college potential into NFL production. McMillan, as a top-10 draft pick, comes with high expectations, and his immediate impact will be critical.
Furthermore, the overall team dynamic matters. While the Bengals have had one of the league’s most expensive offenses, their defense has struggled at times, which has kept them out of the playoffs in some seasons despite their offensive firepower.5 For the Panthers, defensive improvement is equally vital for overall team success. Patra himself has highlighted the need for the Panthers’ defense to “turn a corner” after struggling in 2024, as the offensive maturation alone might not be enough to contend in the NFC South.
In essence, the analyst’s comparison offers a compelling vision for the Panthers’ future. It suggests that by investing in Bryce Young’s supporting cast, particularly at wide receiver, and fostering his growth within a stable coaching system, the Panthers are replicating a successful model. If Young can continue his upward trajectory and the newly acquired offensive weapons can become dynamic playmakers, there is a legitimate pathway for the Panthers’ offense to mature in a manner reminiscent of how Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals transformed into one of the NFL’s most potent units. It’s a testament to the belief in Young’s potential and the strategic direction of the Panthers’ front office and coaching staff.
