Bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers as they go in search of the NFL's upset of the 2023 campaign at the Miami Dolphins in Week 6?
One last challenge awaits the Carolina Panthers before their important bye week. And boy, it's a tough one.
Frank Reich must somehow galvanize his 0-5 team before heading down to the Florida sunshine to take on the Miami Dolphins. Not exactly the game most would have atop their list in pursuit of getting out of a deeply concerning slump.
The Panthers are underdogs to the tune of almost two touchdowns (13.5 points) with most sportsbooks. That's a fair reflection considering the different trajectories of both teams, but things still have to play out on the gridiron when it's all said and done - even if most deem the eventual result a foregone conclusion.
With that being said, here are three bold predictions for the Panthers in Week 6.
Carolina Panthers DL Derrick Brown gains 3.5 tackles for loss
If the Carolina Panthers want to stand any chance of winning this game, they must succeed in the trenches. The Miami Dolphins are missing an influential figure on their offensive line in Terron Armstead, with rookie sensation De'Von Achane also unable to participate after being placed on injured/reserve.
Carolina's defensive front three hasn't covered itself in glory overall, but the performances of Derrick Brown have been nothing short of outstanding. The former Auburn standout is proving to be one of the league's brightest young players at the position and although he's dealing with injury, can make his presence felt in this one.
Stopping Miami's rushing attack behind the line of scrimmage would help. If Brown manages 3.5 tackles for loss, that represents a quality return.
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young gains 300 passing yards
Although there are some throwing significant and unfair shade at quarterback Bryce Young, he's progressing each week. People are more intent on pushing their own personal agendas rather than fully supporting the signal-caller, which is a sorry state of affairs all things considered.
It's not perfect from Young and nobody should expect it to be. The weapons aren't up to the required standard, there is no dependable running game, and from a schematic point of view, there's either a lack of confidence to open things up or a lack of ideas about how to put the rookie and his playmakers in the best possible position to thrive.
Something has to give. If things don't improve this weekend at the Miami Dolphins, the calls for head coach Frank Reich to relinquish play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will be deafening during the bye.
Young looks most comfortable operating within a high-tempo system. This cuts out the clock management complications and allows the Heisman Trophy winner a chance to showcase his elite-level processing while keeping the opposing defense on their toes.
The chances are high that the Panthers will be chasing this game - especially if they start slowly versus such a high-octane offense. Therefore, Young should get the chance to air things out and adopt the cerebral, gunslinging mentality that made him such a highly coveted prospect during the assessment process.
Young's career-high in passing yards came last time out at the Detroit Lions with 247. If the Panthers do get in a hole, then reaching the 300-yard milestone cannot be dismissed entirely.
Carolina Panthers WR Terrace Marshall Jr. gains 12+ receptions
After securing nine receptions from 10 targets against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4, it was bemusing to see wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. not get one offensive snap at the Detroit Lions. Head coach Frank Reich took the blame, but this was another sign of the questionable rotational choices being implemented by a coaching staff that came into the campaign with the highest expectations imaginable.
Marshall was at a loss regarding his lack of involvement. While this was through no real fault of his own, it does cast further doubts on the player's long-term future with the franchise if he can be overlooked and ignored so easily.
Considering this error in judgment, it would be a surprise if Marshall wasn't heavily involved this weekend. Besides, it's not like the Carolina Panthers are blessed with difference-makers within the wide receiver room, so why not give him a genuine shot during a game in which little is expected?
As previously stated, the onus will be on Carolina's passing attack to keep up with the Dolphins. Not exactly the easiest task looking at how Mike McDaniel's offense is currently excelling, but players like Marshall should be highly motivated with a little extra freedom to express themselves.
If that results in Marshall gaining 12 receptions in a pass-heavy offense, the Panthers might just have something after all.