NFL
Season Outlook:
The Panthers rode a resurgent Bryce Young and a weak NFC South to capture their first division title since 2015. An 8-9 record may not seem impressive, but consider where this franchise stood a couple years ago. The postseason could be considered another big step, as Carolina went toe-to-toe with the Rams before losing 34-31 in the Wild Card round. Dave Canales has built genuine momentum. The question now is whether last year was a foundation or a mirage.
What's Changed:
Following poor pressure numbers in 2025, general manager Dan Morgan focused on strengthening his pass rush. He signed Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million contract and added second-team All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd on a three-year deal. What appears to be a stronger unit was given a setback on day one of training camp when edge rusher Nic Scourton was lost for the season with a torn ACL.
Bigger Role & Sophomore Breakout:
Tetairoa McMillan's role probably can't grow much beyond his Offensive Rookie of the Year performance. The second-option burden falls on Jalen Coker. An undrafted free agent in 2024, he was hampered by a quad injury at the beginning of 2025 before emerging as a viable second option. Lathan Ransom enters his second year in the Panthers’ secondary. He’ll still have to fight for playing time with Nick Scott and recent draftee Zakee Wheatley in the mix, but has been noted already for his physical style in camp.
Key Question:
Can the defense survive early injuries? The loss of Scourton somewhat offsets the efforts made to add depth. While Phillips can certainly be a difference maker, he’s missed games in two of his five seasons. And without an effective partner at linebacker, it makes his job that much tougher. Carolina’s major weakness was allowing opposing quarterbacks to get too comfortable. At this point, it’s hard to say if that will change.
Prediction:
Carolina gets a reality check. The Panthers take a step back at 6-11 as Tampa Bay and New Orleans improve over 2025. A first-place schedule plus games against Green Bay, Denver, and Baltimore take its toll. Young continues to prove he's the franchise quarterback, and with McMillan as his top target and Canales as his coach, the Panthers still have a foundation to build on.
X-Factor:
Jonathan Brooks will determine how good the Panthers’ backfield is. By default, Chuba Hubbard moved up to the lead runner following Rico Dowdle’s departure. But his nagging hamstring this preseason opens the door. At the least, Brooks could get more of a significant role in the rushing attack. It may not take much from him to move up to the top of the depth chart.
Final Scorecard:
- Offense: 7
- Defense: 5
- Coaching: 7
- X-Factor Upside: 8
- Schedule Strength: 5