Carolina Panthers’ Revamped Unit Getting No Love in NFL Analyst’s Rankings
The Carolina Panthers have been one of the busiest teams this offseason, making moves left and right to fix a roster that struggled mightily in 2023. From signing key free agents to drafting promising rookies, the front office has made it clear they’re not content with another disappointing season. Yet, despite all the changes, one thing hasn’t shifted much—the respect (or lack thereof) from NFL analysts. In recent rankings, the Panthers’ revamped unit is getting little to no love, and fans are left scratching their heads wondering why.
Let’s start with the offense, which was nothing short of a disaster last year. The offensive line was a turnstile, the quarterback carousel was dizzying, and the lack of explosive plays made every game feel like a slog. Fast forward to this offseason, and the Panthers have made serious investments to turn things around. They spent big on guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, two maulers who should instantly improve the run game and keep Bryce Young upright. They also added Diontae Johnson, a proven receiver who can separate and make plays after the catch. And let’s not forget Xavier Legette, the rookie wideout with blazing speed who could become a deep threat right away.
On paper, this offense looks miles better than last year’s version. Yet, when analysts rank the league’s offensive units, the Panthers are consistently near the bottom. The argument seems to be that Bryce Young’s rough rookie season is proof he can’t lead a competent offense, but that feels premature. Young was running for his life behind a terrible line, throwing to receivers who couldn’t get open, and working with a coaching staff that seemed out of its depth. Now, with better protection, more weapons, and an actual offensive-minded head coach in Dave Canales, there’s reason to believe Young will take a major step forward. But apparently, that’s not enough to move the needle in the eyes of the so-called experts.
Then there’s the defense, which quietly showed flashes of being solid last season despite the offense constantly putting them in bad situations. The Panthers added pieces here too, signing Jadeveon Clowney to boost the pass rush and drafting linebacker Trevin Wallace to add depth. The secondary, led by Jaycee Horn (when healthy) and veteran safety Jordan Fuller, has the potential to be one of the more underrated groups in the league. Yet again, when defensive unit rankings come out, the Panthers are an afterthought.
It’s not just about the players, either. The coaching staff has been completely overhauled, and that matters. Dave Canales turned Baker Mayfield’s career around in Tampa Bay and helped Geno Smith look like a Pro Bowler in Seattle. If he can work similar magic with Bryce Young, this offense could surprise a lot of people. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is back, and his system kept the Panthers competitive in games they had no business being in last year. With more talent and continuity, this defense could take another step forward.
So why the disrespect? Part of it might be the Panthers’ recent history. They haven’t had a winning season since 2017, and last year’s 2-15 record was an embarrassment. Analysts tend to have short memories but long-lasting biases—once a team is labeled as bad, it takes a lot to change that perception. Another factor could be the skepticism around Bryce Young. No. 1 overall picks are expected to be franchise saviors, and after a rough debut, many are quick to write him off. But let’s not forget that Peyton Manning went 3-13 as a rookie, Troy Aikman went 1-15, and even Josh Allen looked lost in his first year. Development isn’t always linear, and Young has the talent to bounce back.
The Panthers also play in a tough division, which might be influencing the low rankings. The Falcons added Kirk Cousins and drafted Michael Penix Jr., the Saints always find a way to be competitive, and the Bucs just won the division with Baker Mayfield playing the best football of his career. On paper, the NFC South looks stronger than last year, and that could be another reason analysts are hesitant to buy into Carolina’s improvements. But if the Panthers’ offensive line gels quickly and Young takes a leap, this team could easily outperform expectations.
At the end of the day, rankings in July don’t mean much. What matters is how the Panthers play when the season starts. If the offensive line protects Bryce Young, if the receivers make plays, and if the defense builds on last year’s progress, this team could shock a lot of people. But until then, the Panthers will have to live with being overlooked and underestimated. Maybe that’s not such a bad thing—playing with a chip on their shoulder could be exactly what this young team needs.
One thing’s for sure: Panthers fans are tired of the disrespect. They’ve watched their team make real improvements this offseason, and they’re ready to see it translate on the field. If the analysts keep sleeping on Carolina, they might just wake up to a team that’s far better than anyone expected. And wouldn’t that be a great story? A revamped Panthers squad, written off before the season even starts, proving everyone wrong. Now that’s a headline worth waiting for.
