Loser No. 4
Tyrel Dodson - Carolina Panthers LB
The Carolina Panthers didn't have veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke available for this one. Given his outstanding impact since joining the club just before final cuts, this was a real blow, and Tyrel Dodson didn't do enough to fill the void effectively.
Dodson has some solid starting experience throughout his time in the league. There hasn't been much legitimate game time of late, and it showed. Though he tied for a team-leading tackles total in Week 9, obvious frailties held the defense back.
The former Texas A&M standout struggled with his pursuit angles on occasion. Dodson also displayed weakness in coverage, and the Denver Broncos knew exactly how to exploit it.
Hopefully, Okereke's injury isn't too serious, and he can feature next weekend against the New Orleans Saints, which is now a season-defining game for the Panthers. That would put Dodson back on the fringes, and he can have no complaints whatsoever.
Winner No. 3
Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers QB
Bryce Young tried valiantly to keep the Panthers in this one, and they had a late shot before it fell flat. Despite his subpar offensive line, the signal-caller performed well against the Broncos, which was a clear positive from the contest.
Young was aggressive when opportunities came his way. There wasn't much space on the outside, but the quarterback did a good job working between the numbers and getting the football out quickly.
The former Alabama standout turned the screw in the second half. Young visibly grew in confidence, dragging his teammates back into the fight when hope was rapidly fading.
It wasn't enough in the end, but Young was low on Carolina's list of problems. Not for the first time, but other areas were letting him down.
Young almost reached 300 passing yards again. He threw three touchdowns to one very unfortunate interception, and his 84.7 QBR reflected how well he performed in defeat.
Loser No. 5
Monroe Freeling - Carolina Panthers OT
Monroe Freeling has had a difficult season so far. The first-round rookie was forced into significant responsibilities at right tackle after being drafted as the team's potential long-term blindside option, and it's been a rude awakening about what it really takes to succeed at the next level.
This was another miserable afternoon at the office for Freeling. It was never going to be easy against Denver's vaunted defensive front, but he was too slow into his pass sets and lacked the strength needed to make his presence felt against the run.
That's a dangerous combination.
The Panthers don't have much choice but to keep faith with Freeling. Veteran right tackle Taylor Moton is done for the year, and there is no telling when Ikem Ekwonu will be back from a torn patellar tendon. Until then, the Georgia product will just have to ride through the storm, but he is quickly becoming a complete liability.
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