The Carolina Panthers made a resounding statement in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, but the film showed some areas for improvement if this ambitious franchise wants to take the next step.
Head coach Dave Canales and the Panthers went into Mercedes-Benz Stadium and took care of business, demolishing the Falcons. It was a terrific day overall, and a big confidence boost after an opening-day defeat to the Chicago Bears.
However, I needed to get a closer look at how things went down in Atlanta. Here are some notes from my film review on the Panthers' first Week 2 victory since 2021.
- Bryce Young puts on a show (again)
- Devin Lloyd's masterclass
- Carolina Panthers run game issues
- Pass protection concerns
- Defensive line rebounds from Week 1
- Extra notes
Bryce Young puts on a show (again)
When I watched the Panthers' offensive film, it became clear that quarterback Bryce Young has full control of the unit.
He consistently made checks and kills at the line of scrimmage to attack the Falcons' defense on the ground and in the air, based on what they showed in structure and tendencies.
Young is very comfortable as a passer, with total command and confidence. He was accurate on the move, navigated the pocket well, and attacked the Falcons' secondary with aggression.
It was another impressive performance from No. 9, and there is still room for improvement, especially from the under-center, seven-step drops that offensive coordinator Brad Idzik has implemented from offensive assistant Darren Bevell.
I still appreciate Young's aggression, which lets him attack every level of the field. These past two weeks have been encouraging, and while there is still a lot of time left in the season, the Panthers have to feel confident in their starting quarterback.
Devin Lloyd's masterclass
When Panthers fans think about all-time linebacker performances, most of them will think of a normal Luke Kuechly game. It's been years since we’ve seen a Carolina linebacker put up a performance like Devin Lloyd's in Week 2.
In what might become the bargain signing of the offseason, Lloyd had the performance of a lifetime for a linebacker and is almost certain to be the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week. Let’s look away from the box score and accolades.
Lloyd played at a high level, displaying excellent football intelligence and discipline across the board. I loved how deliberate and confident he was in his keys and run fits, funneling to the football and making terrific stops around and behind the line of scrimmage.
In the passing game, Lloyd stayed disciplined in his shell assignments in zone drops, especially on hook-curl shells and working into the seam. The second-team All-Pro is also an effective blitzer, and his powerful frame allows him to overwhelm running backs in pass protection with speed-to-power and a nasty bull rush.
Two weeks in, Lloyd is the best linebacker in football. Again, it is a long season, but the impact of his addition, along with Bobby Okereke, is already being felt on the Panthers' defense.
Carolina Panthers run game issues
The biggest concern with Brad Idzik’s offense so far is the run game. It hasn’t been effective over the past two weeks, and there seems to be a lack of continuity and too many missed blocks/assignments.
Some of those issues are related to Young killing run calls at the line, and that is his prerogative as the commander-in-chief of the offense, based on what the defense is presenting. At the same time, everyone involved has to be on the same page, and the explosives aren’t there right now, nor are the chunk plays.
That can mostly be attributed to the penalties that likely kept Chuba Hubbard from a 100-yard game, but the more I have watched this offensive line, the more it is clear that the tackle spots and center are issues in the run game at the moment, with stalemates and a lack of drive at the point of attack.
It won’t help that Jonathon Brooks is “week-to-week” with a groin injury, which means Hubbard and AJ Dillon will have to carry the load. I don’t expect this to be a long-term issue, but it has to be resolved in the coming weeks.
The last thing you want is a one-dimensional offense.
Pass protection concerns
Another issue for this offensive line is pass protection, which can be shaky early in the game before settling in.
Against lesser defenses, this is fine if you’re left tackle Rasheed Walker and rookie right tackle Monroe Freeling. But against aggressive defenses such as the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, and Denver Broncos over the next five contests, the consistency must improve.
Walker and Freeling often failed to reset their anchors and were pushed into Young’s lap, sometimes at the same time. Center Luke Fortner had a moment or two of struggle against power, and right guard Robert Hunt didn’t get enough pop once he gained access to a defender’s chest to create a stalemate.
Again, I don’t foresee this as a significant issue, but it will be something to watch in Cleveland.
Defensive line rebounds from Week 1
That defensive line that allowed 291 yards on the ground last week? They only allowed over 150 this week, a significant improvement against Atlanta.
It is only the Falcons' offense, and they are not good right now. However, we have to acknowledge that this defensive line can stonewall some rushing attacks when the right personnel is on the field.
Take Cam Jackson, for example.
He was inactive last week due to the numbers game. However, Jackson made his presence known with great anchoring and brute strength, penetrating the backfield and making stops for minimal gains.
Rookie Lee Hunter had some great moments of gap integrity, as did TeRah Edwards and Aaron Hall, not to mention Derrick Brown’s presence up front.
I expect similar production and performances next week in Cleveland against a subpar offensive line, where Carolina can constantly put Deshaun Watson in rough spots.
Extra notes
- Outside linebacker Princely Umanmielen and cornerback Will Lee III had better days against the Falcons. The former took on blockers and was decent at setting the edge, all while flashing with pressure. The latter had a couple of rough moments again but had a performance in coverage and run support to build on.
- Zakee Wheatley, one of my favorite prospects this past spring, made his debut in a big way with a forced fumble and five tackles. He was impactful on special teams and defense, and there is no reason why the rookie safety shouldn’t be playing more.
- Xavier Legette is this team’s vertical stem winner with Chris Brazzell II out for the season. His 55-yard reception was an example of what he could be for the Panthers' offense, and if this is what happens, he will return to the fans' good graces while being an influential figure in Carolina’s aggressive passing game.
- I loved seeing Darren Waller become a red-zone target with two touchdown catches. His size makes it so difficult for defenders to defend in that area of the field, and he showed why he’ll be a reliable presence in this regard.
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