What pleasant surprises have emerged from an otherwise disastrous Carolina Panthers 2023 season at the bye week?
It's easy to point out the flaws in the Carolina Panthers through six games. Frank Reich and his all-star staff came into the organization and completely galvanized a beleaguered fanbase, but this newfound positivity has sapped away from even the brightest optimist following an 0-6 start.
According to multiple reporters, the Panthers are more likely to sell at the trade deadline than make another desperate incoming. Winless teams at this juncture aren't normally aggressive when it comes to pursuing talent, which comes as another blow to some sections of Carolina's support that want another productive weapon for quarterback Bryce Young now that offensive coordinator Thomas Brown is calling plays.
That's not reality, unfortunately. The Panthers would be wise to work with what they have, but there have been some bright spots despite all the proverbial doom and gloom enveloping the franchise currently.
With this in mind, here are three pleasant Panthers surprises at the 2023 bye week.
Carolina Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard's growth
While Miles Sanders has flattered to deceive as the Carolina Panthers' top running back option, the same cannot be said of Chuba Hubbard. The former fourth-round selection continues to grow into a valuable contributor when called upon, which has many fans calling for a permanent shift in approach under Thomas Brown.
The Panthers aren't going to completely ignore Sanders when he gets back to full health - his contract dictates that. However, Hubbard has done more than enough to warrant additional involvement based on comparisons in production between the two.
Perhaps Brown will adopt a more committee approach moving forward. We won't know for sure until we see Carolina on the gridiron in Week 8 against C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans.
Carolina Panthers WR Adam Thielen's production
More than a few eyebrows were raised when veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen spurned the advances of contending teams to sign for the Carolina Panthers. His time on the Minnesota Vikings had run its course after nine glittering seasons, so many wondered why the pass-catcher opted for an organization going through vast changes rather than a surer thing in 2023.
Thielen was seen as a possession receiver before the campaign - a supremely gifted route-runner that could make things easier for rookie quarterback Bryce Young. Nobody expected him to be the team's No. 1 option at 33 years old.
Sadly, due to the underperformance of others, that's proven to be the case. Thielen's risen to the challenge exceptionally well, returning to the Pro Bowl-caliber numbers that saw him thrive alongside Justin Jefferson en route to becoming the team's only reliable wideout through six games.
This is a damning indictment on the likes of Terrace Marshall Jr. However, that does not detract from how pleasing it's been to see Thielen thriving in a lead role after getting cast aside by his previous employers.
Thielen is bringing in 83.7 percent of his targets for 509 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He is well on track for his 1,000-yard receiving season since 2018 and f the same trend continues, more individual accolades won't be too far behind.
Carolina is getting more than they bargained for with Thielen. He's been a breath of fresh air, even if his production has exposed the lack of quality within others.
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young's development
As previously stated, the Carolina Panthers don't appear to be moving many mountains this season at 0-6. Therefore, the only thing that matters from here on out - all 11 games - is Bryce Young's development and how it might pertain to long-term prosperity.
Despite operating within a bland offensive scheme, behind a banged-up offensive line, and with little in the way of quality pass-catchers at the skill positions, Young has actually progressed encouragingly. Considering all the mitigating factors involved, it's been surprising to see and a testament to the quarterback's resolve in the face of prolonged adversity for the first time in his football life.
Young's poise and process are as advertised. His confidence in terms of throwing velocity is coming along and although the signal-caller is too reliant on veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, this is a necessity right now rather than by design.
Carolina switching to Thomas Brown as their play-caller - who was a staunch believer in Young during pre-draft evaluations - could propel his game to greater heights. Devising a scheme that plays to his strengths rather than attempting to fit him into outdated concepts is key because the former Alabama star's already shown enough to make plays through creativity and improvisation.
Young had a bigger bullseye on his back than most being the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. He's almost been working with one hand tied behind his back - something that makes his growth all the more impressive when looking at the bigger picture.