Being one of the NFL's worst teams is something the Carolina Panthers and their long-suffering fanbase are depressingly familiar with. They are dealing with serious injury issues across the board, but it's going to be a long road back before this team can think about being a respectable operation.
Dave Canales is facing increasing scrutiny. Things are somehow worse than last season under previous head coach Frank Reich. That's not what many thought would transpire after so much optimism over the offseason. The strain is beginning to show, but he cannot let this fall onto the shoulders of his demoralized playing staff.
Sunday's loss at the resurgent Washington Commanders was as bad as it gets. It looks even worse when one considers rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels got hurt on his opening drive, ruling him out for the entire game. It was a catastrophe from start to finish. There is a significant amount of hard work ahead to turn the tide.
With that being said, here are two winners and three losers from Carolina's latest capitulation in Week 7.
Winners and losers from Carolina Panthers' defeat at Commanders
Loser No. 1
Diontae Johnson - Carolina Panthers WR
Diontae Johnson came into the game dealing with several injury issues. The Carolina Panthers felt comfortable enough throwing him out there, but his contribution was a non-factor despite the concerns surrounding Washington's secondary heading into the contest.
Johnson caught just one ball from three targets for 17 receiving yards. He seemed to give up on a route that eventually led to Andy Dalton's second interception. The encouraging early chemistry between the Pro Bowl pass-catcher and his signal-caller disintegrated. And frustrations are growing.
The former third-round selection out of Toledo was quick to lay the blame at his teammates' door following the contest. Johnson's not shy in letting his feelings known. But the body language suggests that the wideout would relish the opportunity for a fresh start elsewhere before the trade deadline.
If the Panthers get word that he won't sign a new deal, this becomes a realistic possibility.
Winner No. 1
Ja'Tavion Sanders - Carolina Panthers TE
Bright spots were hard to find. The Carolina Panthers surrendered almost immediately and the game was over by half-time. This was another dismal effort with no genuine hope attached. Something that's become synonymous with the organization since David Tepper bought the franchise from Jerry Richardson.
Rookie tight end Ja'Tavon Sanders was a shining light amid the chaos. The No. 101 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft turned in the best pass-catching performance of his fledgling professional career, bringing all six of his receptions for 61 receiving yards and providing dependability that was sorely lacking elsewhere.
There is some work ahead regarding yards after the catch, but the Panthers have something where Sanders is concerned. They are getting almost nothing from other tight ends, so this is something for head coach Dave Canales to hang his hat on.
With the Panthers braced for another losing season and potentially the No. 1 overall selection once again, giving their young pass-catchers a chance to flourish would be desirable as part of their ongoing assessments. Sanders' emergence sooner than anticipated warrants bigger involvement moving forward.
Loser No. 2
Andy Dalton - Carolina Panthers QB
After spearheading the Carolina Panthers to their only win of the 2024 season at the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3, veteran quarterback Andy Dalton has steadily regressed. The dependable, assured presence that head coach Dave Canales anticipated vanished completely at the Commanders en route to the league's worst QBR of the entire campaign.
Dalton began in the worst way imaginable by throwing an inexplicable pick-six to edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. Things weren't much better after that, with the former second-round pick also throwing a second interception to Emmanuel Forbes Jr. after Dionate Johnson didn't finish the route with enough conviction.
BRINGIN' THE BOOM @dantefowler
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 20, 2024
📺 #CARvsWAS CBS pic.twitter.com/CvvH07ZqJj
Despite Dalton's obvious struggles and the Panthers going nowhere fast in 2024, Canales remains focused on starting him over former No. 1 pick Bryce Young. Just what the point of this is with a rebuilding team remains to be seen, but it's a definite sign that the pressure from within to pick up momentum quickly is evident.
It won't be much longer before Young is reinstalled if he's not traded before the deadline. Dalton's honeymoon period is well and truly over, so nothing but a good performance will do in Week 8 at the Denver Broncos.
Winner No. 2
Brady Christensen - Carolina Panthers OL
When Austin Corbett's promising start to the season ended abruptly with a torn bicep that sent him to injured reserve, the Carolina Panthers had to pivot once again at the center position. With no legitimate specialist on the roster, those in power turned to versatile offensive lineman Brady Christensen to fill the void.
Christensen didn't have much experience as the offensive line's anchor. He spent his college career at the left tackle spot and was deployed as a left guard more often than not in the pros. There was also the small matter of coming off a long-term injury to further raise concerns.
It's early days, but Christensen's been outstanding so far. There weren't many bright spots during another woeful outing at the Commanders, but the former third-round selection was one of them. He's yet to concede a penalty or sack from 140 snaps - something that is reflected in his exceptional 79.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.
Carolina's protection hasn't missed a beat despite Corbett and right tackle Taylor Moton missing time. Christensen's seamless transition to his new role is a big reason why.
Loser No. 3
Carolina Panthers defense
It was hard to single anyone out. The entire Panthers defense was nothing short of embarrassing. Under-strength or not, Ejiro Evero's unit is making fundamental mistakes normally associated with a high school team just starting.
Tackling is one of the core elements of defensive play. Get to the spot and bring down the opponent. It shouldn't be hard - especially with those who've made it to the pinnacle. However, it's something the Panthers cannot seem to accomplish effectively enough.
Even without rookie sensation Jayden Daniels under center, the Commanders got whatever they wanted versus this woeful group. Missing so many key personnel isn't ideal, but general manager Dan Morgan's decision to transition investment away from the defense is blowing up in his face. Not even an accomplished coach like Evero can make it work.
Giving up 421 yards of total offense - 214 of which came on the ground - isn't going to win many football games. They are capitulating weekly and giving up points at a historic rate. Significant changes are needed - and quickly - otherwise a situation could emerge where heads roll.