We Had a Chance?! The Panthers Searching for Answers After 0-2 Start.

Panthers Fall 27-22 in Week 2

I’ve said before, this franchise isn’t for the faint of heart, especially for those of us who remember what it once was. Being a Panthers fan can feel like a relentless cycle of disappointment, dragging you through the mud year after year. That said, once again this team took to the field and for three quarters, they showed us their ass and not in the end-zone-dancing, touchdown-scoring kind of way. Sloppy execution, baffling play-calling, and the same tired excuses that already have fans questioning what abysmal year they’re in for this season. If Week 1 and week 2 were supposed to be a statement, they made one loud and clear: we're in for another long, frustrating ride. 

Yes, the Panthers finally showed signs of life in the fourth quarter and managed a team-driven drive down the field (everyone but Legette contributing), but if they played like that all game, they wouldn't keep ending up in these desperate situations.

Tetairoa McMillan

The Good: 

Rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is quickly proving why he was a first-round pick and why he might already be Bryce Young’s favorite (and possibly only reliable) target. In Week 1, McMillan made an immediate impact with his signature one-handed grab, and in Week 2, he delivered what was arguably the only bright spot in an otherwise forgettable performance for the offense, (outside of Hunter who we will get to). McMillan finished the game with 6 receptions for his first 100-yard game, easily surpassing his Week 1 numbers. On a day when little else went right, Tetairoa showed up and for that, we should all be grateful to the football gods. Bryce Young finished the game with a career high in passing yards--and he finished the game strong--but it's hard to know which half to trust from his game.

The Bad and Ugly: 

Defense

In Carolina’s Week 2 loss to the Cardinals, the Panthers’ defense still struggled, giving up just under 300 total yards, including a staggering 200 yards through the air. Although this marks the second consecutive week the defense forced a turnover, the secondary remains virtually nonexistent, and the run defense, while slightly improved from last week, still leaves much to be desired. There was little to no pressure on Kyler Murray, as reflected in the high passing yardage he racked up. Earlier this year, I noted that this season would be a make-or-break one for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, and so far, it’s clearly trending toward the latter.

Offense

Fans have started questioning Dave Canales’ play-calling, and rightly so. The play-calling on the two-point conversions was downright atrocious, and it certainly doesn’t back up Dave’s call to action with his overall offensive strategy. Hearing the head coach once again cite “fundamental” issues is frustrating especially when that was the same excuse used last season, with promises that the problem had been addressed. This team appears to thrive in the two-minute drill perhaps it's time to consider adopting that tempo for the entire game.

During the offseason, we were told the wide receiver room was brimming with talent, growth, and precise route-running. But based on Sunday’s performance, it seems the receivers themselves didn’t get that memo until late. There was a moment when Bryce Young was able to feed an incredible catch to (WR) Brycen Tremayne. But aside from rookie McMillian, no one really showed up as consistently until the fourth quarter when Tremble and Renfrow decided to join the party and Hunter Renfrow finally showed up in big way. Hunter finished the game by bringing in two TD’s finally making his presence known in Carolina. Will we be saying “Thielen who” afterwhile?

So, what now? While it’s still early in the season, and I’m trying not to hit the panic button just yet, drastic changes need to happen and fast. By “soon,” I mean by Week 4, or those decisions will be made for them. This team has both new and returning talents that I’d hate to see go elsewhere in the league and finally thrive. Some of these fresh faces actually seem to embody the “Keep Pounding” spirit that once defined the Panthers. If this week’s game proved anything, it’s this: play the rookies more. Princeley Umanmielen finally made his presence felt, and you get the sense the rest are just waiting for their shot to do the same. 

So, what’s next? We pick ourselves up (again), get ready for the next game, and hope for a different result. And honestly, we better hope that this loss lit a fire under them, because next week’s opponent, the Atlanta Falcons, should absolutely be a win.

Photos: Panthers