The dust is settling on the Carolina Panthers' humbling Week 1 defeat to the Chicago Bears. And for one side of the football, there was plenty of blame to go around.
Carolina's offense was not the problem. New play-caller Brad Idzik left a good impression, quarterback Bryce Young was exceptional, and wide receiver Jalen Coker continued his ascent into a highly productive pass-catcher opposite Tetairoa McMillan.
As for the defense? That's a different story.
The Bears ran all over them, literally. Chicago gained 291 rushing yards and six scores on the ground, putting up 59 points during an opening-day mauling that burst the bubble of optimism at Bank of America Stadium.
It's just one game, and the season is long. Before we start looking ahead to Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, here are four Panthers who deserve blame for an embarrassing Week 1 reverse to Chicago.
Carolina Panthers who deserve blame for an ugly Week 1 loss against the Chicago Bears
Devin Lloyd, LB
Don't let the 13 tackles fool you; the game film was not kind to linebacker Devin Lloyd, which was disappointing given how much is expected of the second-team All-Pro this season.
Lloyd is getting used to his new surroundings. He'll come good, but he couldn't identify where the Bears were running the football effectively. The former Utah standout got lost in the shuffle too often, and even though there were flashes of dynamic traits, more will be required moving forward.
Ejiro Evero, DC
The Panthers believe in Ejiro Evero. Head coach Dave Canales had a long sit-down with his defensive coordinator after the game, studying the tape and identifying just what went wrong. And there was a lot to unpack.
Evero was let down by his players. He cannot make tackles, stay disciplined, or hold contain on the edge on running plays. Even so, he could have been a little more aggressive in critical moments.
Instead, Evero once again relied on his soft zone coverages with defensive backs playing way off. It's an ongoing frustration for fans, and the Bears knew exactly how to take advantage.
Princely Umanmielen, OLB
Second-year edge rusher Princely Umanmielen earned his first professional start. Unfortunately for the Ole Miss product, it exposed the same cracks in his game that could restrict his role as the campaign goes on.
Umanmielen can rush the passer. He caused disruption and gained a sack. But he is abysmal against the run. He couldn't set the edge cleanly, often broke containment, and failed to get off seal blocks effectively.
He wasn't alone. But until Umanmielen becomes more disciplined against the run, a rotational pass-rushing role is the best he can hope for.
Derrick Brown, DL
As arguably the team's best overall player, the Panthers' defensive-trench fortunes depend heavily on Derrick Brown. He is normally ultra-consistent, leading by example and providing the forcefulness needed to set the right tone for others to follow.
This was not Brown's best day. These sorts of performances are rare from the Auburn product, but his lack of push and discipline issues in key moments were unexpected and unwelcome in equal measure.
Brown acknowledged his flaws and will rectify them. Fans should expect a dominant display from the Pro Bowler this weekend in Atlanta.
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