General manager Dan Morgan believed the Carolina Panthers could take the next step this season. Head coach Dave Canales is always bullish about his team's chances, but things haven't quite gone as expected through the first half of 2026.
The Panthers might somehow still be winning the NFC South, but they are 3-5. It's been a real disappointment over the first eight games, and even though there is still time to turn things around, firing defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero suggests the pressure is on inside the building.
Morgan and Canales weren't the only ones claiming big things were in Carolina's immediate future. Team owner David Tepper proclaimed this was finally the year the Panthers would claim a winning record under his leadership, restoring his previously dented reputation.
That seems further off than ever.
At the same time, all hope is not lost yet.
The Panthers have some winnable games upcoming. They are getting healthier, and the division is the NFL's worst. That's the glass-half-full approach, but it's not hard to see things are hanging extremely precariously in Year 3 of this ambitious project.
With that in mind, here are the four biggest letdowns from the Panthers' 2026 campaign at the midseason point.
Biggest Carolina Panthers letdowns from a 2026 season already threatening to unravel
Offensive line
We'll put them all together, though left guard Damien Lewis is the exception due to his outstanding production when healthy. Aside from that, the offensive line has been a complete liability this season.
Concerns were there even before the campaign. Right tackle Taylor Moton was diagnosed with blood clots, Ikem Ekwonu sustained a torn patellar tendon in last season's playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, and the Panthers let Cade Mays walk for the Detroit Lions in free agency.
That's three key starters gone, and those who've filled the void have not provided the stability needed. And with Moton now done for the year and Ekwonu still a way from returning, they have to step up.
Injuries
Every team suffers injuries. The Panthers have unfortunately suffered more than most, and though several factors explain their inconsistent first half of 2026, injuries have not helped.
Carolina's lack of depth was exposed, especially at cornerback and running back. Other position groups have also been hit, and losing so many influential pieces to short- and long-term complications didn't assist continuity.
Fortunately, the Panthers seem to be getting healthier now. That's something, but if they cannot turn things around, the early-season injury problems will be a viable excuse.
Third-down defense
Ejiro Evero's polarizing run as defensive coordinator ended during Carolina's mini bye week after their Thursday Night Football loss against the Green Bay Packers. And the Panthers' appalling third-down defense is a big reason why.
Evero's scheme was accused of being way too conservative in third-down situations. The soft zone coverage was picked apart at will, a frustration throughout his tenure.
This concerning trend continued this season. Carolina is giving up 6.4 third-down conversions per game, ranked joint last with the New Orleans Saints. If interim coordinator Todd Wash can improve this number, the Panthers will have a fighting chance of being more competitive.
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