The Panthers want to build on last year’s playoff appearance with a winning record after finishing 8-9. Dave Canales returns for his third year in Charlotte as head coach, and Brad Idzik returns for his third season as offensive coordinator. Bryce Young is back at quarterback, looking to lead his team to a deeper playoff run. The Panthers will miss Rico Dowdle in the run and pass game. Chuba Hubbard returns as the featured back. Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette return, along with Jalen Coker and tight end Tommy Tremble. The Panthers’ offensive line will be challenged early with Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton out for an extended time. Damien Lewis returns to the offensive line, along with Robert Hunt, who played only two games last year. The Panthers sought outside help with Rasheed Walker from the Packers, Luke Fortner from the Saints, and Stone Forsythe from the Raiders. Carolina is high on Georgia rookie Monroe Freeling, who will open the season at right tackle. Time will tell whether this new unit gels.
Ejiro Evero returns for his fourth season as defensive coordinator. The Panthers return six of their top 11 tacklers from a year ago, including four of their top five. Top tackler Christian Rozeboom is now with the Bucs. Tershawn Wharton and Nic Scourton are notable injuries to the front seven. Derrick Brown returns as the only full-time starter. The Panthers hit the free agent market hard, bringing in Jaelan Phillips from the Eagles, Bobby Okereke from the Giants, and Devin Lloyd from the Jaguars. They also bring back four full-time starters in the secondary: Michael Jackson, Jaycee Horn, Tre’von Moehrig, and Nick Scott.
Tracy Smith returns as special teams coordinator, along with placekicker Ryan Fitzgerald and punter Sam Martin. With Trevor Etienne starting the season on IR, Jimmy Horn Jr. will be among the Panthers’ primary options in the return game. You can’t depend on division opponents having subpar seasons to reach the playoffs with a losing record. Carolina must turn the page, and it won’t be easy with so many injuries on both sides of the football, particularly in the trenches.